Sonshine Circle helps to spread sunshine to others

BY Pat Van Dyke

Cindy Davis dons festive apparel for the Sonshine luncheon. Cindy is known within the group as the “Garage Sale Queen” because she attends almost every garage sale in Canyon Lake. Photo by Pat Van Dyke

Over 30 years ago, three Canyon Lake women met and discovered that they had a common interest: to help people in need. Lillian Scott, Lucy McNeal and Yvonne Northup sought out people who had a need for someone to come alongside them and make a difference in their lives. They called their troop the Sonshine Circle.

The Sonshine Circle has been a vital, active group at Canyon Lake Community Church (CLCC) ever since that first meeting. Now under the direction of Pat DePalma, the group has grown to a size by which they are able to have several projects happening concurrently that make a difference in many lives.

Salem Christian Home in Ontario, California, a home for special needs adults, has always held a special place in the hearts of those in the Sonshine Circle. Each year, the ladies are assigned to be the “secret pal” of one of the residents in the home.

Birthday cards, monthly letters, small gifts and other greetings are shared with the secret pal. The ladies of the Sonshine Circle report that they receive so much joy by reaching out to these individuals.

A yearly luncheon for women of other circles within the church is planned and supported by the Sonshine Circle. Sonshine Circle ladies can also be found at AWANA meetings baking cookies, working with students in the classrooms and being a constant support for all.

After 30 years, the circle continues to meet once a month at CLCC to discuss possible projects and have supportive fellowship with one another. Current projects include bringing snacks for the children’s summer events at CLCC, helping with the library, assisting with Garden Path Ministries, collecting prescription glasses for the needy along with the Lioness Club and serving as hostesses to Sunday morning worship services.

They not only support others, but they also support members of their circle who have needs. They provide transportation for their fellow circle members dealing with doctor appointments, pharmacy trips and grocery shopping.

The Sonshine Circle is a tight-knit group of women who live by the verse Proverbs 31:20, “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”

Those interested in joining the Sonshine Circle should call Canyon Lake Community Church at 951-244-1877 and leave a message on the answering machine.