The future of the Tender Loving Christmas program was decided by members of the program Friday night at the Yucca Valley Community Center. Reporter Andrew Dieleman was there to hear the decision…
Mara Cantelo founded the Tender Loving Christmas program with the goal of ensuring that no one had to be alone for Christmas. Paul Hoffman, Cantelo’s long-time friend, announced that her recent passing meant the future of the program was in jeopardy. According to Hoffman, problems with the Franchise Tax Board and the IRS means that the program can no longer exist under the Tender Loving Christmas name. In honor of Cantelo’s service to the community, members of the TLC program agreed Friday night to re-name the program “Mara’s Christmas Wish.” Due to current budget constraints, Hoffman emphasized the need for devoted volunteers, donations, and sponsors to make the new program successful, but stated that accepting donations will have to wait until a new nonprofit partnership could be established for the program. According to Hoffman, that partnership will be announced on Wednesday, November 8. Hoffman closed the meeting by emphasizing that, as long as they have the support of the community, Mara’s Christmas Wish will continue Cantelo’s dream; to ensure that no one is alone for Christmas. For more information, contact Paul Hoffman at 760-365-1643.
THE FUTURE OF THE TENDER LOVING CHRISTMAS (TLC) PROGRAM
