Over the years, I've been fortunate to be able to deliver or help deliver lots of gifts to those in need at Christmas. Many times, it's the result of the generosity of friends, family and neighbors that bring smiles to those in need. This year, with the help of many friends, neighbors and folks in the community, we were able to help four families and two seniors at Christmas. As someone who sees the gratitude at the time of delivery, my thanks go out to all who've helped in any way.

This year, the family in this blog post touched me like no other. They are a family of four. When we first learned of their situation through their Head Start case worker, they were all sleeping on a queen sized mattress with no comforter or pillows. They live in a tiny apartment in Westminster with the mattress and a kitchen table as their only furniture. Their faith is evident in the few wall adornments and in conversation. They are humble and kind and grateful for the few things they have.

We first delivered a set of bunk beds for the brothers, complete with new mattresses, sheets, pillows and Ninja Turtle and Superhero comforters. The youngest brother (pre-K) was over the moon when we arrived and wanted to be a part of the assembly process. The older brother (8th grade) was more reserved but his excitement was palpable. While there, we peppered them with questions of what they like and need. The little brother showed us his favorite things (How To Train Your Dragon movie and Ninja Turtles) and showed us the projects he made in pre-K. He was proud of his family Christmas tree, which consisted of what appeared to be a branch of a fir tree, placed in a pot with paper decorations made by him.

When we returned on December 22nd, only mom was home. She first showed us the beds again. She said the boys once saw a picture of bunk beds and said it was their dream to have beds like that. Since receiving the beds, she said they tell everyone about them and the little brother even puts himself to bed in the middle of the day because he is so happy to have his own bed.

When mom saw the abundance of gifts we had brought for her family, she was overcome with emotion and gratitude. She blessed us (and everyone who helped) many times over. There were many tears shed by all. She said they had never been given so much and had never had gifts at Christmas. She told us the boys had written a letter to Santa and they were waiting for him to pick it up. She didn't think Santa was going to pick up the letter but, after seeing the gifts, she said Santa would be able to pick up the letter to see their wishes. Initially, she wanted to give us credit for providing the gifts. We repeatedly assured her to tell the boys the presents were from Santa and/or her and her husband. She was overwhelmed and said she felt like she was in a dream and didn't want to wake up. Mom said they had had many hardships over the last year and that this Christmas was going to help make things a bit better for them.

The picture below shows the gifts in their living area. The tiny "tree" is hidden in the background by the packages. The picture doesn't show the gently-used kitchen items (casseroles, pyrex bowls, etc), the gently used clothes or the kids chair we delivered. When we returned to drop off the $140 Food Lion gift card, Mom was already pleased to be using her new kitchen items to prepare dinner.

The family has a very small living area. My hope would be to find a way to provide them with a very gently used or new sofa/loveseat for the area in the coming months. Given the size, we'd have to verify the seating arrangement would fit. If anyone, has any connections for something like this, please let me know.

I wish everyone who helped make this special Christmas happen for this family could have been present to witness the overwhelming emotion and gratitude from this very kind, humble and faithful family. Thanks to you all from the bottom of my heart!