Gifting Others (and not with argyle)...

Our dear friends Priya and Shashi decided to organize a huge "Santa Session" this past weekend and take donations and volunteers to help make Christmas happen for area families in need. Thirty families were granted things they needed, and some extras to help make Christmas special. It took numerous trips between Wal-Mart, department and dollar stores, but not without gratitude.

The families received new and previously owned furniture, washers/dryers, couches, matresses and heaters in addition to food, drinks, candy and gifts that were donated or purchased (Mary Kay cosmetics for the moms, magnetic dart boards, coloring books and crayons, toy cars, purses for the girls, clothing, etc.). Sister Rosemary (the one in the santa hat) and her organization Mercy Ministries helped reach these families in need.

It felt a bit overwhelming in the last hours before the gifts were organized and sent out. But that soon turned to exhuberant happiness, as we saw the families come pick up their gifts. They borrowed cars, with the whole family piled in, or they paid friends to drive them, but they all showed up with such smiles on their faces. They were expecting a little, and received so much more. Even the families that just requested food, were overwhelmed with joy when they were given that and so much more.

One lady was moved to tears that she had never received new furniture. She recieved a new couch for her home. This was so much more than any argyle sweater could give (not that I have anything against argyle, it is one of my favorites).