Giving Christmas 2015
It would be a dream come true if I could write a check to every charity in my community that sends out a fundraising letter or help every person who asks United Service Corps for assistance through our website. I think it would be so fun to just sit and write checks and think about what an amazing feeling that would be to just give, give, give, give.
I wonder if that’s how the Gates and the Buffets feel? Or do they feel overwhelmed by the amount of people in need? Sometimes, often times, when you donate a pair of shoes, make a donation, make a Christmas box, adopt a family, etc., a part of your heart and brain thinks, “It’s not even a drop in the bucket. There are so many more hurting and needy people out there, and I will never be able to help them all.”
I always remind myself of the story of the boy throwing starfish back into the ocean, who when reminded of the impossibility of saving every one washed ashore, remarked that his deed made a difference in the life of the one.
We’ve been lucky enough to adopt two families this Christmas at United Service Corps, one in Erie, PA and one in Charlotte, NC and we hope to make a difference in their life, if only for this Christmas season.
In Erie, the family struggling to make ends meet and dealing with major medical bills. The family of 6 is just hoping to have a little joy this Christmas. Mom lost her part time job watching a child in her home. Dad is recovering from foot surgery and is wheel chair bound. The children are ages 9, 5, 4 and 18 months. The 9 year old struggles with emotional and learning disabilities and the 5 year old has already had 2 heart surgeries and may need more.
In Charlotte, there are three generations under one roof. The matriarch, a single mom supporting her grown children and grandchildren is doing the best she can and working very hard. With ten people under one roof and everyone working, they are having a hard time making ends meet. Meeting basic day-to-day needs like putting food on the table is stressful.
We’ve already received so many generous donations for these families. I know their hearts and spirits will be lifted when they get our special Christmas gift. We know that Christmas is not about things and gifts but our goal is to let them know that they are loved through your generosity and hopefully give them a little bit of joy during this holiday season.
We still need help with our Charlotte family, so if you can help through donated toys, clothes or money to purchase items for the family, please contact Charlotte Giving Corps coordinator Bethany Kelleher. Email beth@unitedservicecorps.org.
