[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 2336] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]CELEBRATING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY ACTION AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NORTH TEXAS COMMUNITY ______ HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS of texas in the house of representatives Thursday, February 14, 2008 Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Christian Community Action for celebrating its 35th anniversary. Christian Community Action, an organization devoted to helping those in need, has made a tremendous impact on area citizens during its tenure in the north Texas community. Founded on February 22, 1973, Christian Community Action began by serving local congregations. The group soon began distributing fliers in needy areas offering assistance to those local families who needed it most. CCA provided gifts of food, clothing, housewares, and repair work, but soon realized that for the group to have the effect they wanted, they needed to find a way to expand their reach and obtain financial resources. It was this decision that caused the organization to connect with area families on a much more personal level. CCA caseworkers learned all about each family's income, budgeting, and spending habits, which presented them with both the information they needed to provide assistance and the coveted opportunity to bond with those they served. Beginning in 1975, Christian Community Action began focusing on larger scale initiatives, such as resale shops. Now the CCA has evolved from a small bible study group to a thriving organization serving Lewisville and the surrounding area with three CCA resale stores, an adult health center, food services, and education and vocational training. I would also like to commend Christian Community Action on the importance of the role they play in helping meet the health assistance needs in Denton County, where there is no county hospital to assist. As an OB/GYN in Denton County for almost 30 years, I'm acutely aware of the needs of the mothers and young children and I especially thank Christian Community Action for their mission in meeting these health needs. It was also through my work with Christian Community Action that the idea for a program within the Consumer Product Safety Commission to increase awareness for second-hand retailers regarding recalled products was initiated. This project was successfully adopted in the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act, and I commend CCA for their dedication to improving awareness about dangerous recalled products for similar organizations all across the United States. With more than 2,500 volunteers, CCA touches the lives of approximately 12,000 people every year. However, they are far more than a charity group. To the 1,500 patients treated in the health center each year; to the parents of the children provided with lunches, school supplies, Christmas presents, and clothes; to the 1,660 people who have been given educational and vocational training; to these people, Christian Community Action offers hope. The building blocks provided by the CCA create a foundation for those in our community to create better lives for themselves. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I stand here today to honor Christian Community Action on their anniversary. Thirty-five years of service is a milestone to be celebrated. ____________________