365: The Reboot

I work closely with a local organization called Christian HELP.  They offer all sorta of wonderful programs to the local community with the primary focus on helping people to not become homeless.  Each Christmas they do toy drives and provide amazing opportunities for families that are really struggling to be able to provide a magical Christmas for their young children despite the hard times they find themselves in. 2010 has proved to be a challenging one for many organizations like Christian HELP.  Everyone is hurting.  So many people are still unemployed.  And those who are scraping by, aren't really able to give and help someone else. I offered to have my local attraction host a toy drive, where we would provide a discount to guests coming in and donating an unwrapped toy.  While coordinating that event, I learned of another program they have where you can "adopt" a family that is in need for the Christmas holiday.  Depending on the specific needs of the family, the adoption could include gifts for the children (some families have up to eight eligible kids in need), a $50 gift certificate/card to a local grocery store, a christmas tree, and all of the ornaments and decorations for the tree.  It can be a pretty large commitment for someone to make during a time of year that is already stressful for many.

I'm so very blessed with the gifts our Lord has bestowed upon me, and financial means to assist others is one of them.  So I reviewed several of the family profiles and decided to adopt the Flores family.  They have six children total, but only three are 16 or under (which means they are eligible for assistance), and only needed help with gifts for the three smallest kids and a gift card for their holiday meal.  I had such fun shopping for these kids!   The oldest, Jacqueline, is 16 years old and I got her a very nice black leather designer handbag that normally is $300... but gotta love overstock.com!  It's simply stunning... I know she will adore it. She will also receive a beautiful rhinestone bracelet (all teenage girls need a little bling in their life!) and a stocking filled with goodies such as chocolate, cashmere gloves, a fun sports water bottle, nail polish, lotions and bath gels.  The second girl, Alexis, is 9 years old and she will be receiving a fun purple and tan XOXO handbag (again - score of a deal!) along with a beautiful rhinestone princess necklace and a stocking of goodies.  Clemente is 6 years old and the youngest son.  He will be receiving a remote control Lamborghini (seriously the coolest thing ever!  One of my other nephews will also find one of these under their tree - amazing deal!), a Lego Hans Solo watch (again - another nephew will also have a ball opening one of these!) and a stocking filled with fun stuff.  My heart was prompted to spend more on the gift card, so they will receive a $75 Publix gift card to use towards a holiday meal.

Speaking with Belinda (the mom) and dropping the gifts off confirmed what a gift it was for me to be able and do this for them.  I had the opportunity to meet all of the children and see how wonderful they continue to make their home, despite the hard times they find themselves in right now.  When I started to leave, Belinda gave me a hug and broke down crying.  I squeezed her a second time and reassured her that I've been there... we all have... and God is still with her.  2011 is a brand new year and it promises lots of new opportunities.  She said she wanted to be able to adopt a family next Christmas... to help someone else like this group has helped her.  That's what this season is all about... Christmas is in your heart... not under the tree.