When I was writing out my Life List earlier this year one thing I really wanted to add for this Holiday Season was to sponsor a family. It has been a work in progress this past month but finally today I can check it off the list! I wasn't even sure where to start when I was planning it out in November but after a quick web search I found two organizations in our area that take applications for sponsorships. I got in touch with a local representative who asked me a few questions about how we would like to help and we were set. A week later I received paperwork in the mail about the family we would be helping. The rest was up to me. I had to get in touch with the family and find out what we could do for them. I figured gift shopping would be the easy part. It wasn't. The mom either was being humble when telling me ideas or her kids just really didn't feel comfortable making lists this year. Either way, I was given only a few hints as to what they may like. In the end though we managed to come up with several ideas for each child. The best part was stuffing a stocking for each of them with all my little finds.
Today our family headed to the grocery store to get the final items to stuff in the car. Our daughter, Hailee, was not thrilled at first to be heading to her least favorite place but soon she understood the importance of what we were doing and starting asking what else she could pick out for them. We had a little shopping cart caravan going on while trying to multitask shopping for our family as well as theirs. I decided to purchase reusable grocery bags for them to keep and we filled every single one. I think what made it so easy is that it is 100 times more exciting to grocery shop for someone else than yourself. At least for me!
When we met the family in person today it truly was heartwarming. They were gracious and polite and so welcoming. It really was a treat for us to help them out and for Hailee to see the importance of giving to others this season. I definitely think we have started a new Christmas tradition for our family in the years to come. Giving to charities is great but being able to help someone and see the impact first hand is even that much better.
Happy Holidays to you all!
Hey Celina,
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great thing you all did this Christmas. They are sure to have a super Christmas. I was going to mention that there is a group called angel food ministries that provides food for a very low cost. I have given gift certificates in the past to people who may have needed some help. You don't have to be needy to order from them and they never hassle you about income. Everyone is very kind and friendly. It's basically a food co-op. Here is the website for more info. The food is very good and you really get a ton of it for the $$. http://www.angelfoodministries.com/
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
That is great, thanks for the info Amy! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing -- what a great Christmas tradition!!!! Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Seriously, thanks again for sharing. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThis is so wonderful! I hope I am able to do this when I'm older.
ReplyDeleteSuper Celina, I too received a very warm feeling in my heart when Shannon and myself helped out two families her in Halfway. Looking forward to doing it again next year.
ReplyDeletelove Mom