Author Donates To Lake Elsinore, Southwest RivCo Students In Need

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Community Outreach Ministry and a local children's book author donated backpacks and school supplies to some of Southwest Riverside County's most needy students this year.

Author Tamika Burgess shared why she wanted to lend a helping hand to the ministry which serves children of incarcerated parents run by Bob Davies and Mona Salomo-Davies.

"I would have never written my book had I not been praying and seeking God’s will for my life. Along with that desire to follow God’s plan, it was in 2021 that He spoke to me about being a giver," Burgess said.

Inspired by Proverbs 31:20, she reached out to Dr. Salomo-Davies with the desire to provide school supplies and backpacks to children in need.

"I felt that providing children with school supplies and backpacks for the upcoming school year was a great way to incorporate something I love, education, with meeting the needs of others," she said.

Burgess sees parallels between the ministry and her first book. In the story, the character learns to use her voice and take pride in who she is while confronting prejudice in the most unexpected of places.

She added, "It has been an honor to take some of the financial burdens off of the caregivers of these children and play a role in setting (them) up to have a successful school year."

Burgess's book, "Sincerely Sicily" is published by Harper Collins and will be released in January 2023.

For years, the Davies family has worked to break the cycle of incarceration by giving at-risk kids a second chance to be winners and champions through year-round programs. Fundraisers help but donations such as those received from Burgess were much appreciated.

A September 15 fundraiser further supports their efforts to bring Christmas to the children, according to Bob Davies.

The community is invited to join the ministry at their Christmas Gift Baskets Fundraiser on Thursday, September 15 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Downtown Murrieta Market Nights. Find us at the Chapel Coffee Campus, 24941 Washington Avenue.

"Your support makes it possible for these children to know they are still loved and cherished by their incarcerated parents," Mona Davies said.

For details call (951)698-7650 or email info@communityoutreachministry.org.