Renewed Hope

For one local teenager, living on her own without any family support, the gift of a new pair of woolen socks and winter boots was a highlight of her Christmas.  In addition to going to school full-time, this young woman works part-time at an outdoor job in the freezing cold. She wrote, “Working outside for eight hours straight is much easier with good boots and comfy socks.” Beyond the gift of warm feet was the gift of hope she received from her Adopt-A-Family donor. “Your generosity inspires me and makes me hopeful for a future full of mutual kindness where we can all support one another when able.”

Following on the heels of the magic of Christmas, each New Year brings with it the opportunity for new beginnings and renewed hope for a brighter future.  For one family new to the area, the overwhelming generosity of their adoptive donor gave them a much-needed boost from their struggles, which in turn made them excited for 2018.  In addition to the gifts under the tree, the real gift for them was knowing that someone truly cares.

“It is amazing the love we have felt this season from complete strangers – and that too has been a beautiful gift. I can’t help but look at strangers a little differently now, wondering if they are someone who has helped us or another family in our situation. It is our hope that we will be able to help another family as you have helped us. I can honestly say that I will never forget this and that you will always hold a space in my heart.”

From the boots and socks that warm a young woman’s toes, to the gift of love and support that warms a family’s heart, underlying it all is a community that collectively wants to foster in youth the belief that life can be better, and that no matter what unfortunate circumstances life has dealt them thus far, they do in fact have the internal strength, resilience and skills to overcome it all, and to not only survive, but to thrive and succeed. So that long after the gifts have been unwrapped, the path before them is full of hope and limitless possibilities.

“The Christmas tree was full of presents and love because of your help.”