I realize none of you are seeking updates and validation of the good things happening but I want to share with you my interactions with these families so you can experience all the feelings too. :-)
Yesterday I sent home two coats with the 10y girl (for she and her older sister). Late in the day I get a phone call from the mom who timidly asks me if I can get the coats in the next size up so that perhaps she can make the jackets last two years. I told her I could do that but did explain that a lot of stores here seem to not be restocking jackets and I was having a hard time finding real winter coats in junior sizes so it may take a few days. She then said she would be fine with used coats to which I said, "Nope, we are buying them new coats."
Then she goes on to tell me that they have the Christmas tree up and that it's so beautiful and that the 7 year old guards it and protects it from her little brother. :-) I took the opportunity to tell her that someone has purchased the bike for her 7 year old and she started joyfully shouting "Really? Oh my god! Someone did that for her?" She explained that over the summer she had paid $5 for a bike at the thrift store, only when she got home realized the bike was broken and you can't exactly return things to the thrift store. Her daughter tried to ride the thing all summer anyway. I told her our facilities department is going to put the new bike together, and that because I assume she probably doesn't have much room to hide the bike, I'm willing to bring it to her Christmas Eve after all the kids are in bed. We both may have cried a bit at that point. "You'd do that for her?" Yes, of course I would. I remember very well the Christmas that Santa left me a pretty bike so if I can help some other child have that innocent, joyful moment I'm going to do it.
So yeah, that's my update. I have a mountain for items in front of my desk waiting for wrapping paper and bows. We have a major appeal letter going out today and tomorrow but once that is done my entire team (all 3 of us) are going to have a wrapping party.
Thank you to everyone sending in a few more dollars via paypal. I grabbed a bike lock and helmet for the little girl and the tablet case and screen protector for the little boy. When everything is done I'll see exactly what is left over and most likely give the families gift cards for the grocery store.
I'm waiting to hear back from the social worker in regards to making a plan for delivery of the gifts. If someone wants to send funds via Paypal I would say the 22nd would be the drop dead. That would give me a day to use the funds for a gift card, food, diapers, whatever, and still get it to the families.
I realize none of you are seeking updates and validation of the good things happening but I want to share with you my interactions with these families so you can experience all the feelings too. :-)
Yesterday I sent home two coats with the 10y girl (for she and her older sister). Late in the day I get a phone call from the mom who timidly asks me if I can get the coats in the next size up so that perhaps she can make the jackets last two years. I told her I could do that but did explain that a lot of stores here seem to not be restocking jackets and I was having a hard time finding real winter coats in junior sizes so it may take a few days. She then said she would be fine with used coats to which I said, "Nope, we are buying them new coats."
Then she goes on to tell me that they have the Christmas tree up and that it's so beautiful and that the 7 year old guards it and protects it from her little brother. :-) I took the opportunity to tell her that someone has purchased the bike for her 7 year old and she started joyfully shouting "Really? Oh my god! Someone did that for her?" She explained that over the summer she had paid $5 for a bike at the thrift store, only when she got home realized the bike was broken and you can't exactly return things to the thrift store. Her daughter tried to ride the thing all summer anyway. I told her our facilities department is going to put the new bike together, and that because I assume she probably doesn't have much room to hide the bike, I'm willing to bring it to her Christmas Eve after all the kids are in bed. We both may have cried a bit at that point. "You'd do that for her?" Yes, of course I would. I remember very well the Christmas that Santa left me a pretty bike so if I can help some other child have that innocent, joyful moment I'm going to do it.
So yeah, that's my update. I have a mountain for items in front of my desk waiting for wrapping paper and bows. We have a major appeal letter going out today and tomorrow but once that is done my entire team (all 3 of us) are going to have a wrapping party.
Thank you to everyone sending in a few more dollars via paypal. I grabbed a bike lock and helmet for the little girl and the tablet case and screen protector for the little boy. When everything is done I'll see exactly what is left over and most likely give the families gift cards for the grocery store.
I was all feely until I got here. Then...Damn onions.
I haven't read through all the pages (just skipped right to the end here after skimming the first page) but the only stuff I'm coming up with on Amazon are boots for the little girl and little boy at Target. Is there anything else that is needed? I don't know that Target would get them in time, what with their amazing customer service and people getting purse-snatched in the parking lot and all. lol.
WOT?* - I picked up the boots in store (sorry, I should update the list) so there aren't any more winter items needed. I would say if you want to purchase an item clothing in baby girl size 6-9 month or baby boy 22m would be good. And size 2 diapers for the baby would always be helpful. Or sending $ via Paypal works and I'm pooling all the funds to get the remaining items.
twotrue - Is there a way I can add the diapers to the wish list so I can have them shipped to you? I have Amazon prime so it's free 2-day. Make it a jumbo pack if it doesn't let you change the quantity sizes. (I tried the Huggies 200-whatever package. If there is a preference, feel free add it instead.)
Thanks so much for putting everything together! I'm glad you're able to work with the family directly and make sure that we get them what they can really use:)
I cried about the bike too. That really is sweet of you to offer up your Christmas Eve.
And I'm glad your coworkers can help wrap. It looked like quite the mountain of goodies!
Any updates twotrue? Any need for last minute $$ to help with a final gift?
Thanks for checking, but honestly, I think we're good. I'm putting together stockings for the family with the older kids, just to round out their gifts. I've picked up some small gift cards and toiletry type items. And I think I'll be able to add a nice gift card to the local grocery store for each family.
Of course if anyone wants to Paypal funds I'll add it in, but we did good by these families. Really good.
The social worker and I are going to deliver the gifts on Monday while the children are in school so I'll post a recap of that afterwards.
I'm going to PayPal a little extra to help with any last minute stocking stuffers or other odds and ends you may want to purchase. Will do it when I get home later today. Thanks for organizing this, what a wonderful Christmas for these families. (heart)
I'm behind on this like I am with every other Christmas gift this year. I just sent you paypal $. If you don't need it for this feel free to use it in a different charitable way at your organization. Thanks for all your hard work!
I'm behind on this like I am with every other Christmas gift this year. I just sent you paypal $. If you don't need it for this feel free to use it in a different charitable way at your organization. Thanks for all your hard work!
As another late entry (this is why I have no business in a secret santa) I ditto this sentiment. Feel free to use my funds at your discretion.
I promise a full update later but here is a quick update.
The gifts to the first two families were delivered on Monday. Because we have such generous people on this board we've been able to help some additional people. I'll share their stories when I can get on a computer. But in a little bit I'm dropping by off a bedding set and gift card to a 17 year old girl who wouldn't have Christmas without these gifts.
I can't begin to tell you all how amazed I've been by your generosity. Thank you!
twotrue - Final updates before I unsticky the post?
On Tuesday I bought gift certificates for two guys that needed a bit of holiday cheer. One is a 28 year old whose mom very suddenly up and moved. She was his transportation to and from his day habilition program and his support system. I don't know the whole story but obviously having one of your only supports leave you is hard on anyone, particularly those with disabilities. The second was an older gentleman whose family doesn't care for him as we would all hope one with disabilities would get cared for. Apparently he rarely gets showered and his health isn't a priority to his family. Our day hab staff end up helping him bathe and taking care of him as best as possible. The gift card will allow him to get things for himself (probably clothes) that family wouldn't automatically do for him.
Then on Christmas Eve I took some gifts to a family of a 17 year old girl. When I spoke her mom, she said her daughter would like warm sheets and a soft blanket. Having to ask for warm bedding broke my heart. I bought the girl a bed-in-a-bag set, a matching blanket, a Zumba DVD (her mom said she loves these) and gave her a Target gift card to buy clothes (mom said she needed underwear). When I dropped off the gifts mom gave me a huge hug and said I had made their Christmas.
That evening after my kids were in bed I took diapers and the bike to the original family we adopted. The dad, this being the third time I'd seen him, seemed to be much more comfortable chatting with me (he has some social anxiety issues). He was awed by the bike, said the diapers would really help, and asked me about my own kids. It was a really nice interaction and a great way to end Christmas Eve.
I need to count up the last receipts but I think I did a pretty good job spending the money. :-) Any little bit of cash left over I plan to ear mark for our Social Work department, who throughout the year will help families by giving gift cards, money for medicine, or to keep the heat on. Once again, thank you to all who participated. This board is full of very generous and thoughtful individuals (and lurkers too!) and I feel really lucky to have been able to organize and participate in this season's giving.
twotrue - Final updates before I unsticky the post?
On Tuesday I bought gift certificates for two guys that needed a bit of holiday cheer. One is a 28 year old whose mom very suddenly up and moved. She was his transportation to and from his day habilition program and his support system. I don't know the whole story but obviously having one of your only supports leave you is hard on anyone, particularly those with disabilities. The second was an older gentleman whose family doesn't care for him as we would all hope one with disabilities would get cared for. Apparently he rarely gets showered and his health isn't a priority to his family. Our day hab staff end up helping him bathe and taking care of him as best as possible. The gift card will allow him to get things for himself (probably clothes) that family wouldn't automatically do for him.
Then on Christmas Eve I took some gifts to a family of a 17 year old girl. When I spoke her mom, she said her daughter would like warm sheets and a soft blanket. Having to ask for warm bedding broke my heart. I bought the girl a bed-in-a-bag set, a matching blanket, a Zumba DVD (her mom said she loves these) and gave her a Target gift card to buy clothes (mom said she needed underwear). When I dropped off the gifts mom gave me a huge hug and said I had made their Christmas.
That evening after my kids were in bed I took diapers and the bike to the original family we adopted. The dad, this being the third time I'd seen him, seemed to be much more comfortable chatting with me (he has some social anxiety issues). He was awed by the bike, said the diapers would really help, and asked me about my own kids. It was a really nice interaction and a great way to end Christmas Eve.
I need to count up the last receipts but I think I did a pretty good job spending the money. :-) Any little bit of cash left over I plan to ear mark for our Social Work department, who throughout the year will help families by giving gift cards, money for medicine, or to keep the heat on. Once again, thank you to all who participated. This board is full of very generous and thoughtful individuals (and lurkers too!) and I feel really lucky to have been able to organize and participate in this season's giving.
Thanks so much, twotrue! Hip hip hooray for all your organizing and helping out! I'm so proud of this board for all that they did and contributed also. I really hope we helped lighten the load a little at Christmas for these families!