Local Heroes: The Tiny Hands Foundation

In keeping with a personal Christmas tradition I once more read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. In addition I’ve watched at least half a dozen versions of it on television in the last two weeks.

They all remain fairly true to the original story, including the one with Mr. Magoo.
Towards the end of all, Ebenezer Scrooge buys a goose so the Cratchit family can have a real Christmas dinner.

He caught the Christmas spirit.

In Manasota there is an organization called the Tiny Hands Foundation that does something similar, except on a larger scale. This 501(c )( 3 ) charity was founded by two brothers, Rod Khlief and Ed Jacobs. Initially, in 2001, they identified 5 families. Their goal in 2012 is to provide 1500 families in the Sarasota area with a Christmas dinner. They want to help put smiles on the faces of Sarasota’s much deserving children. In 2011 they were featured in a story by Bay News 9.

They have more than just the Christmas spirit. They didn’t need visitations from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. They realized that there was more to life than Thanksgiving Day football and came to the conclusion that they wanted to give back to the community that has been treating them so well.

They operate year round developing empowerment programs for children that highlight health, finance, personal development and emotional mastery. An organization such as this relies on the generosity of the local community. There are three ways to help: donations of money, food and/or time. 

I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you about one such individual who unselfishly donates her time to this organization.

Rebecca Allen, of Venice, is an independent licensed massage therapist who is originally from Dayton, Ohio. She graduated tops in her class from the Sarasota School of Massage, was named best massage therapist by Creative Loafing in 2009, and is a Level 1 QiGong Instructor. She comes to you and is available at almost any hour. Her motto is, “Your home is my office.”

She was introduced to the Tiny Hands Foundation by Rod Khlief, one of her clients.

Rebecca, besides being a foster child, is a foster parent, and a grandmother. She recently told me about how the foundation which gives unconditionally, has taught her about giving unconditionally.

She said, “Even though I’m struggling, there’s someone out there that is struggling even more.” 

She told me that helping is easy. All you have to do is give four hours of your time on Saturday, Dec. 22, and help assemble and/or deliver baskets. They are meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club on 3100 Fruitville
Road in Sarasota. Her commitment and passion for this organization was obvious
from the look in her eyes.

Rebecca Allen, you and the volunteers at the Tiny Hands Foundation, are everyday heroes, Manasota heroes, local heroes.

Please help support their efforts.