At one point in life, Cristina found herself, kept prisoner, A prisoner to pain and endless torment, a prison of the worst kind. she was a prisoner in her own mind. No matter how hard she tried to break through- the force that held her captive- would not free her. the force was all consuming and there was no escape from it, no relief. Cristina was overcome with A force so strong it consumed her every thought and movement- that force was depression, depression fueled by trauma she had suffered as a teen.  While she battled that significant force, in a moment of weakness, Cristina found herself wondering- was life worth living? Was this life- so full of pain and sorrow- worth the effort to try?

​

Cristina began to search for an answer, an answer as to why she had to suffer so much hardship in life. During her quest for answers, she discovered service. The more she served the better she felt. The black hole that consumed her began to show light. Hope was rekindled, that perhaps the force could be kept at bay. Cristina gave her whole heart to serving others and in so doing found herself again. The prison was opened and instead of being filled with darkness, light overcame it, the light of love and service to her neighbor. 

​

Over the next few years Cristina spent thousands of hours serving her neighbor. She was given the amazing opportunity to be a part of so many great non-profit organizations, that truly served their community. Tabitha's Way, Sub for Santa and in schools were some of the places that truly changed her life. Her true delight was in serving families and especially children. 

​

While enjoying her many hours of service, Cristina began to notice gaps of needs that were not being filled. Particularly that of gently used items going directly into the hands of families in need. And so, a quest began, Cristina has two sons, each of whom had many nice toys and clothes, she wanted to donate these to a place where they would be placed directly into the hands of children in need. The question that soon consumed her thoughts: where can I go to give my children's gently used items? A place where those items are placed directly into the hands of children in need?

​

After countless hours of research, she discovered that no such place existed. Of course, there were many non-profit organizations that did help those in need. But none that placed gently used items into the hands of those in need. There was:

​

 Tabitha's Way: they accept used items but combine it into bulk and sell it as trash.

​

Sub for Santa: would only accept new toys

​

Desert Industries: Donations received are re-sold to the public. Vouchers are available in limited quantities but still require the item to be purchased at full price. 

​

This information was disheartening for Cristina, as she knew two things: 1- there was a surplus of toys and clothing 2- families could benefit greatly from receiving gently used quality items.

One night as she was lying in bed, her thoughts began racing, thoughts about how many families were in need. She knew she had an answer as to help these families and these thoughts refused to leave her mind. The information on how to additionally help her neighbors, became so overwhelming, she was unable to sleep. Cristina was compelled to act and to do so immediately.

​

Her thoughts gave way to action and Families Coming Together For Children was formed. From that night in 2019 of restlessness, Cristina began to put together her non-profit organization. An organization that focused on: lifting up neighbors who were struggling and equipping them with quality used donations.

​

​

​