Reunited in new home, family grateful for help
No. 24: Mother gets resourceful to provide Christmas
Mother commented that “God really does work in mysterious ways.” She’s seen several negative events in her life develop into good things for her and her three children.
After leaving a violent home situation, Mother found herself living in one shelter while the children were in a different shelter. Her immediate goals were to secure a safe home and to keep her job. As soon as possible, she rented an apartment and was reunited with the children. Her job as a delivery driver allowed Mother to keep up with basic expenses and begin planning for Christmas. Then, her car developed engine problems. Since a reliable car is necessary for her job, Mother was forced to use her small savings for repair bills.
This setback led Mother to seek help with groceries through the Crosslines food pantry. While there, she learned of the Share Your Christmas program. She is very grateful that a donor will be providing gifts for the children. This will certainly be turning a bad situation into a positive one.
The girls — one in elementary school and one in middle school — both like craft projects and consider a trip to Hobby Lobby a special treat. The boy — a high school student — plays the guitar and would like to be able to shop at a music store. Gift cards are a large part of the children’s Christmas requests, so even a donor with little time to shop will be able to make Christmas special for these children.
No. 25: Anything but pink for this care center resident
It quickly becomes obvious this care center resident does not like the color pink. She has asked for pants and shoes in any color but pink, and noted that if she receives a blanket or throw she would like green. Jamie grew up in foster homes and group living facilities and remembers participating in Christmas plays. The staff wrote that “Jamie has a great heart and loves to help others.”
Besides clothing she would like Mountain Dew and macaroni and cheese microwaveable cups. She also requested black pens and a 5-subject notebook.
No. 26: Care center resident makes crafts for others
Andrea is very artistic and spends hours making jewelry and bead weaving. She donates her creations to the activities department so they can be used as game prizes. Before moving into the care center, Andrea worked as a cashier at Walmart. She told Share Your Christmas that she grew up in Springfield and said spending time in the kitchen with her grandma was her best childhood memory.
Andrea’s gift list is brief. She needs slacks, a bra, and underwear. For treats, she requested popcorn, Dr. Pepper, and flavored water.
About Share Your Christmas, how to donate
For information about how to help the Share Your Christmas families or care center residents call 417-866-8008 or email [email protected].
Gifts should be delivered to Dock #1 or Dock #2 on the west side of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks building, 3055 E. Division St. If the dock doors are closed, please ring the doorbell at the top of the stairs. Hours for delivery are 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. until noon on Friday.
Monetary donations are welcome as they allow Share Your Christmas to purchase gifts that may be needed to complete a child’s toy list or fill a box for a care center resident.
If you would like to send a monetary gift to assist a particular family or care center resident, please note that in the memo line of your check. You may also write “As Needed” in the memo line and your gift will be used for the Share Your Christmas program. Please send monetary donations to: Share Your Christmas, P.O. Box 3947, Springfield, MO 65808.
Gifts are due by Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. Monetary donations are welcome at any time.
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