Merry Christmas, ya’ll!
As we careen toward the end of 2013 and get caught up in the frenzy that is the holidays, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on a tradition which I have carried on for the last 4 or 5 years, and which keeps things in perspective for me.
We live in a relatively rural North Georgia county, still escaping being swallowed up by the monster that is Metro Atlanta. The prosperity in Atlanta, and even in the Northern Metro counties to our south, has not reached here. We have a high rate of poverty and, sadly, domestic violence.
No One Alone (NOA) http://noonealone.org/ serves the victims of domestic violence, and their children, in two local counties, and does an absolutely AMAZING job of it. The dedicated employees and board members truly make an enormous difference and help to change lives.
Think about this; you are a mother with a small child or children; you have left your home, everything you own, with only the clothes on your backs. You knew you had to do it, to save yourself, but even more importantly, to save your children from this life of abuse and give them a future. It’s November or December. Your children don’t expect much, but you have nothing.
Enter NOA’s Adopt a Family program. Each year, I have adopted a mom and child, but this year, I enlisted my friend P, who wanted to help a less fortunate family as well. We received a list for Family #13, so it seemed appropriate to share this story today. Their list was long, but very humbling, asking for the basics; clothing, underwear, a jacket, along with a couple of toy requests for the kids, both under 4 years of age.
Well suffice it to say, P and I split up the list and then went crAZy!!! I will be the first to tell you, I am NOT a shopper. In fact, I HATE shopping. But this program makes me forget all about that, and I got out early, beating the crowds, list in hand. I scored great clothes for Mom and the little one, and toys, did I mention toys????
P is a thrift shopper and so, besides our “new” gifts, she prepared a GIANT box of like-new thrift shop finds for the whole family! And of course, a small care package of fun toothbrushes for the kids, shampoo and mascara for Mom; things we take for granted.
P and I got together last weekend to wrap and label the gifts. We were totally efficient wrapping machines, and stood in awe once it was all done. We talked about what a courageous thing this Mom had done for herself and her boys. We cried and hugged, and worried about what they would do once their time at the shelter was done.
I am excited to say that through lots of generous donors, NOA was able to fulfill their Adopt a Family program this year. However, the need is constant, so I would encourage you to give to someone less fortunate than yourself. It will make your holidays, I promise!
curvyroads 
Nice thoughts here. Why can’t shopping go away though? I mean isn’t there any other way?
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Ha ha, Professor, I totally agree! I must admit to being mostly an online shopper…I love my local small business stores, but big retail, ick! Thanks for stopping by, and commenting. Going to check out your blog now!
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Wow, what an amazing organization for an absolutely imperative cause. I love that you and your friend got to shop for that family. I bet it made you feel really good to help them. That’s awesome! love it love it. My son’s school adopt angels each year and we get a list for them and their needs. We always adopt one from each class and either go in on a bike for them, or purchase things off their want/need list. It feels amazing to help out. My heart breaks for all those people and kiddos!
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Beth, it really is amazing to be able to contribute a little to brightening their holidays. No better feeling than to help, and it’s even more wonderful when you involve your kids. ❤
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I shop on line mostly now, but a few years ago I’d always get 2 angels from the tree; a boy and girl and try to make their wish list come true.
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Yes, we have a White Christmas tree in a local store as well…all wonderful ways to give back!
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Wow! Good for you and your friend. Do you get to meet the family?
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No, Shelley, due to the circumstances, it has to be anonymous. Not that they suspect donors to harm anyone, but you know how crazy the world is these days!
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Oh, I love that you did this. We have a similar thing in my city for children who’s parents are incarcerated, and it’s a great tradition to go “pick a child” and shop from their list. I need to make my boyfriend join in as well!
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Aussa, that is wonderful too…sadly, some of the kids on the incarcerated parents list actually could be on our type of list as well. Makes me so sad for them…I just hope that our efforts help a little bit.
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Wow…This is awesome and humbling and good reminder that for my complaints, I don’t have it so bad.
Thanks for this!
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Thanks! Yes, really puts things in perspective…
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[…] in December, I wrote Tis the season about having the opportunity to provide some hope and cheer at Christmas to a family who took the […]
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