TIS THE SEASON . . . OF GIVING

At work, we have decided as a department that rather than giving each other gifts, we would sponsor a family this year. It's amazing what's happened.



There are only 10 of us so initially, we thought we would sponsor one family. Then, we decided we could do like one family of three and a senior citizen. So that's what we signed up for. When we called the family of 3, we found out they were actually a family of 6. But we were up for the challenge. We collected food and funds over the course of about 8 weeks and in the end, we had 25 boxes of food and over $300! Just from our little department! And it's a good thing we had all that food because we were made aware of another person who desperately needs food so we did 5 boxes of food for that person. Wow.



Yesterday, we were finalizing all the preparations because we are delivering to the families on Monday. One of my co-workers said she'd like to get the 2 boys (ages 10 & 12) scooters. Great idea. But she was concerned about getting them helmets. So I did some research and I'm so excited to say that Mike Morris at Legacy Emanuel Hospital has donated 2 new bike helmets so that the boys will be safe as they cruise on their new scooters.



Emanuel Hospital has a special place in my heart. That is where my godson, Aaron, spent the first 2 months of his life. When he was born, he weighed 2.5 pounds. Yes, 2.5. The people at Emanuel were great then and they continue to touch me with their generosity.



In this season of hectic schedules, holiday traffic, and franticly running around to find that perfect gift, it's fulfilling to get back to the basics of putting love in action.