Tis' the Season to Give

A couple of years ago, Kyle, Michael, Jay, and I decided we would not exchange gifts and instead adopt a family and help provide their Christmas. The past two Christmases, we have had families from the Copper Basin ministry. This year, we decided to keep it local, so we adopted two boys from my Junior Auxiliary focus family. Last night, Kyle, Michael, and I went shopping for our boys. We had so much fun picking out gifts, and it was fun that we did this together. Both boys filled out a wish list, and we were able to gift them all the things on their list plus a little extra. One boy will receive New Balance shoes, an Ipod, Itunes card, Visa gift card to purchase an xbox 360 game, hygiene items, and candy. His brother will receive New Balance shoes, jeans, t-shirts, a few long sleeve shirts, a Visa gift card, hygiene items, and candy. Their family will be given two large bags full of food to have during the holiday season. This family has really weighed on my heart since Junior Auxiliary adopted them. They were placed into the local Safe House (which if you are familiar with, this is never good). The mother is trying hard to get back onto her feet and provide for her family. When they were able to leave the Safe House, they had to start over from scratch. Literally, they had nothing except for a few clothing items. The mother is a single parent that works hard and receives little assistance. Her children are always so polite and thankful for what they are given. They are truly a grateful family and very deserving of a wonderful Christmas.

The purpose of this post is not to pat ourselves on the back, but for Kathryn to read about it one day.  I want her to know and understand the importance of giving.  Once Kathryn is a little older, she will attend these shopping trips with us.  The entire experience is so humbling, and she needs to be a part of the process.  It is so important to realize how fortunate we are, and the best way to do that is to have knowledge of those less fortunate and to help those in need.