The idea of struggling families not being able to provide Christmas for their children was weighing heavily on my mind. I remembered what it felt like.
I knew that it was not something that any one person could accomplish on her own, so I threw it out into the community via a local 'Helping Hands' site, just to test the water
It just seemed to me that there are two extremes here in my community: the people who are weeding out their kids' toys in preparation for the influx of new toys and the people who would be pleased to be able to put those things under their tree for their own children. I wondered if anyone else would be interested in trying to make that happen.
My modest expectations were blown right out of the water when the post got 161 likes, and 80 people volunteering donations. I really could not believe it.
The first thing was to find a venue. It is such a busy time of the year. While churches were my first thought, my phone calls to them went unreturned. To be fair, some are providing community meals for those facing food insecurity and are just too busy. Others are busy preparing for Christmas celebrations. I imagine some just do not have the space to donate to an endeavor like this. But no one got back to me.
This weekend was a tough one. I felt terrible that I might have whipped up such enthusiasm for such a terrific project only to be unable to even get it off the ground. It didn't help that my cold had morphed into a sinus infection. The thought that came to mind was 'when it rains, it pours'. Except that instead of rain, we got yet another lake effect snowstorm which dumped 8 inches of snow on us again.
I just felt bad about disappointing people.
I received a message today, from someone who saw the post. She and her organization were completely willing to provide the venue. Staff it. One day of donation drop offs, with doors opening for pickup on the following day. They told me their two available days. 'Would that work?' she asked.
'Yes,' I typed back.
It needs to be brought before the board at tomorrow's meeting for final approval from the director, a formality, she assured me, since everyone who has heard the idea is as excited as she is. Then we can begin to put the word out into the community.
When that conversation was done, I made one call and sent two messages giving an unofficial heads up.
Everything unfolded so quickly that I still can't quite believe it. I cried.
Oh, I am glad to hear that your idea is probably going to work out! Great idea, Debby!
ReplyDeleteI feel very Christmas-y myself!
DeleteThis sounds just great, and thank you for having and developing the idea. You're good people.
ReplyDeleteLots of good people here.
DeleteShow us how it's done, baby!
ReplyDeleteLol...stand back sistah! A town is rolling up their sleeves!
DeleteOh Debby- it warms my heart so much to read this! I’m so happy for you, getting it all together! Our local fire department has a toy/food drive every December, and I always contribute to it. One year my daughter collected cans from the neighbors, and spent the money at Toys R Us to contribute to that drive. I hope your endeavor is very successfull! The world needs many more like you. Xo, Rigmorš„°
ReplyDeleteIt just seems like being able to donate directly to parents in need is huge.
DeleteThis is wonderful, Debby! Well done to you and all the people making it happen.
ReplyDeleteI am excited.
DeleteMy gosh Debby, that's awesome what you started! This was so great, people so anxious to help. Restores my faith in humanity, corny but true. Meanwhile, very sorry you're under the weather and speaking of weather is that for real? I know you live north of me but that looks North Pole-ish...
ReplyDeleteThings are different north of I80!
DeleteWhat a wonderful idea! I'm so glad that it is all coming together . You will be bringing the Spirit of Christmas to many children this year. Thank you so much! Cali
ReplyDeleteThat would be an incredible thing!
DeleteYou are such a good person. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteI am overwhelmed by the organization stepping forward to offer not only a place but people to run it. That is an incredible gift.
DeleteWonderful it's coming together!
ReplyDeleteIt is! It really is!
DeleteKay of Musings: OH GOSH! I love this, Debby! You are so wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI have hust received a powerful reminder that I am surrounded by a lot of good, and I needed that reminder.
DeleteHow exciting and heartwarming that you (and your community) are making this happen! I can't help thinking of the woman who "tested" various religious organizations, seeing if they would donate a can of baby formula. Most wouldn't.
ReplyDeleteAs uncharitable as it sounds, I did find myself thinking along those lines. Whi is not fair.
DeleteGreat ideas have unlimited potential, as you have learned. Good on you and good on your community.
ReplyDeleteIs it the same idea your acquaintance had in your town?
DeleteThat is so wonderful Debbie. I am sorry you did not hear from the local churches but some of the problem in our area is people are taking advantage of our local churches. Our area is small most of the churches are small and help where they can. Now our pastor tells people come to the church and we will help. A lot never call back but we help anyone that comes. The pastor took a load of groceries to a needy family even dog food for the dog. The man sits in his chair and tells the pastor just push the beer back and make room for the milk or sit it on the table. Don't take the beer out of the frig though. The food was left, colds put away so it would keep. The man was proud of his new tats but could not feed his kids. Those kids got gifts on Christmas morning you can bet. Maybe the best Christmas they ever had. One family wanted to go north to see family, their car was filled with gas, food for the trip and extra gas cards to make the trip. I know there are churches so full of themselves they cannot or will not help anyone, but not all are like that. Sorry you did not get help from one of them you called.
ReplyDeleteWhat matters is that children have Christmas. I believe that a good deed is no less good because of the character of the recipient.
DeleteYou are so right. Many times, people do not know how to help, I am happy to see someone take the lead and get things going. I know people will be happy and thankful for what you have doing. I hope others might follow in your steps in their town.
DeleteI am so EXCITED! Your germ of an idea and a community coming together. How wonderful that the right person saw the post and her organization is willing to host! And staff it - which is so fabulous! And I think the two day turn around is terrific, too. I'm sure the moms and dads with plenty are already putting a donation pile together and how grateful the gift choosers will be.
ReplyDeleteSinus infection not withstanding, how perfect this is coming together!
I am picking up 8 trash bags of toys tomorrow. I spoke with another woman who has a hobby of making doll clothes. She is donating dolls, doll furniture and she is making blankets. Our William is making a considerable donation himself - lego sets, a drone, games, books.
DeleteThe Opossum of Optimism strikes again! Oh, Debby, you have started a wonderful ball rolling.
ReplyDeleteChris from Boise
That picture made me laugh. It would be a great tee shirt.
DeleteThoughts of Dame Edna Everidge....Hello Possum...!❤️.
ReplyDeleteGood that those people offered a space and help..shame on those who could not even be bothered to respond
I am not familiar with her. Hi ho, hi ho...it's off to Google I go!
DeleteI am so glad that someone was able to pick up your idea and run with it. A lot of children will have a much happier Christmas than they would have had otherwise.
ReplyDeleteDepending on how this goes, there is talk that it could become an annual tradition. That would be wonderful.
DeleteThe true spirit of Christmas .
ReplyDeleteOh, Jaycee! I do feel very Christmass-y inside!
DeleteYou are really a very good person and it went off perfect. Let Christmas begin.
ReplyDeleteOh dear! You don't even know! I am wrapping!
DeleteDebby, you have such a good heart. The state of our country right now is the manifestation of evil, and yet it has rallied those who have wanted to help and didn't know how to do it. We know we can't solve all the problems; we can do what we can, with what we have. Years ago, my first AA sponsor told me that I needed to stay in my acre and keep it and myself healthy, so that I was fit to help those around me. She told me to believe that what I did locally affected others globally, both good and bad. I've held on to that belief since then. We do change the world when we do good right in our own back yard.
ReplyDeleteSuch a good thing for us to remember. if each of us did as much good as we can, right where we are, it would change the world. We just get fooled into believing we cannot make a difference.
DeleteI am so glad for you that your brilliant idea will come to fruition. Without you, nothing would have happened, so well done.
ReplyDeleteIt was a wonderful thing to be reminded that there are a lot of people who want to be a part of good but don't know what to do.
DeleteAw, that's great. I hope it continues to work out well. Good job.
ReplyDeleteI put put the public notice for help and donations today. It seems very real.
DeleteWhat a fabulous idea you had and even more fabulous to see it come to fruition! There will be many kids who will not be disappointed on Christmas morning. Thank you Debby on behalf of those kids. Gigi
ReplyDeleteIt is so cool how everyone seemed to catch the vision right away!
DeleteThis will make such a difference to some families, a brilliant idea well executed.
ReplyDeleteHopefully it unfolds perfectly.
DeleteGood on you, Debby! Brilliant idea and excellent follow-through.
ReplyDeleteSo much is depending on the community. We won't know how it will turn out until we actually do it.
DeleteGood for you for setting up an aid group that works.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure how much setting up I actually did. I just tossed an idea out.
DeleteOh that made me so happy to hear! Good people are all around us. You lit that fire and they carried that torch! I hope you are better really soon.
ReplyDeleteThey are!
DeleteThe idea was a good one and I'm so happy that an organization will be able to help you.
ReplyDeleteI also love the possum of optimism:)
T'would make a great t-shirt! I now covet two t-shirts: one with this logo, the other showing a snarling Possum with the words 'First of all, I am a friggin' delight...'
DeleteIt makes me think of the Toys for Tots program ... not sure who it is that sponsors that program, but it makes Christmas special for so many families!
ReplyDeleteThe Marine Corp. there are a lot of programs out there trying to make things special.
DeleteThis was a good use of social media, and you having a big heart. Here's hoping it doesn't snow two feet on the days of the event and people can show up. Love the possum of optimism. I haven't seen mine for awhile.
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling. Honestly though, I feel like the tide is turning. If you want a quicker picker upper, go to Facebook and search for My Cluck Hut. You can thank me later.
DeleteGood luck on the endeavour doing everything that was dreamed and more.
ReplyDeleteFrom your lips to God's ear!
DeleteThe sheriff and his deputies have a program and gather gifts and also a big food basket for people that need help. I think it gets bigger every year with more people donating food and toys.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see this happen here.
DeleteThe opossum of optimism -- I love it! I'm glad people have responded and your great idea is moving forward!
ReplyDeleteYay! How exciting!
ReplyDelete