Holiday Giving Means Christmas Joy for All

"Dear Santa, thank you sooooooo much for the toys. I love you and I know I will love my gifts. Merry Christmas, Santa!" Taped to a paper plate of cookies, these are the words of a 7 year old girl who was gifted by donations from the Toybox Project.

Every year the community gives to the Jaycee Toybox Project and Christmas for the Eldery - but they miss out on the response and appreciation that the members of the Jaycee Organization get to experience first-hand. Therefore, I thought I would flashback to last holiday season and share with you some of the joy we see as a result of your holiday giving.

A young boy - age 8, stops Santa at the door and before any gifts are given, asks everyone to join hands and pray. His prayer includes safety and warmth for Santa and his reindeer, happiness for his classmates and family, and snow. A prayer so innocent in nature that is inspired by the presence of Santa; who represents something greater for this young man. That was a powerful moment, a moment that left me in awe and brought the realization of the meaning of the holiday season - joy, peace, friends, family, God - and why not? Maybe a little snow!

An elderly recipient - age 82, with tears streaming down her face showers those delivering the most basic of needs to her front door with repeated appreciation. "Thank you - I am blessed to have you here. Please come in..."

After a 15 minute conversation, it was realized that she has no family this holiday season. Her friends are old and disabled themselves, many have passed on. Her companionship this holiday season may be her case worker from the Department of Health and Senior Services or maybe a call from the neighbor or landlord. But no Christmas dinner around the table for this wonderful, kind-hearted woman. Another 45 minutes of our time, warm clothes for the winter, and basic hygiene and cleaning supplies have made a difference beyond what anyone could imagine. How often do we take these things for granted?

Just two examples, the stories go on and on...your Holiday Giving for the Jaycee Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly truly touches life and brings joy to others during the holiday season. Thank you for your continued support!