Secret Santa observations

[j44ke]

Every year, we do spontaneous Secret Santa things for kids with very few or no resources, either wish-list type gifts (often heartbreaking - one year a kid wanted a big box of crayons "to add some color to his life") or educational support (notebooks, calculators, etc.) through my wife's firm, but this year we have added our own extended family. That's different. The last couple years contained the creeping presence of diabetes, drug addiction, and physical abuse, and we suddenly had the realization that what we gave to others was now needed within our own clan. I guess we've been blessed by circumstances for a while, but what is disheartening now is also good, because the need is real, appreciated and is already brightening some things up for a winning 9 year old. I am really glad we asked whether we could help, because the response was an immediate yes and relief genuine.

I am certain this is not new info for some of you, and I feel a bit naïve saying this, but run a check on your family this holiday. Take a reading of the joy levels and maybe see what you can do to add some elevation to anyone who needs it.

[Moke]

Nice post j44ke. Some of the folks that need a little boost out there are too quiet or proud to ask for help Keep your eyes open folks. Our gym has a tree with request cards from several of the centers about town so that was easy, but some of the kids from the hood may need a little boost too and don't forget to look at the old folks around you as well. Some cookies and a lb. of of coffee could make someones day a lot nicer. The guy on the bike that collects the cans for recycle is getting a new tire for Christmas, saw he needed one just yesterday. My family is pretty small and thankfully doing ok. But thanks for the heads up J44ke.

[bigbill]

I just got home from shopping for the secret santa tree at work. I've got a nice income and my one kid is off at college and I'll see him next week. I took two tags and each had one thing but together it was a little over $100. If that's the best thing that happens to a kid over the holidays then it was all worth it. I'll check the tree tomorrow afternoon to see what is left. It was mostly clothes the last time I checked but I haven't shopped for kids clothes in a decade. If they're still there, maybe I'll get someone to go shopping with me.

[mnoble485]

Our company always "adopts" a family each year that comes with a wish list. the list always includes necessities which is sad. We have a great group of people who all give and most PMs find money in the budget for extras.

Mike

[rwsaunders]

Our office does a great job throughout the year with gifting and helping those who are in need. In fact, some of the best times have been working for a weekend at a stranger's house with a team of 15 people and knocking out tasks that a family had no hope of accomplishing.