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.
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