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Linda (top left) with fellow Faith Community Volunteers serving in Ft Lauderdale
I thought it would be tough being away from family on Christmas but I was proved wrong when I was blessed to share the day with the Cov kids. Even though, I missed my family and would have loved to spend the day with them, I knew that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. It was a blessed day full of surprises. I was grateful that the kids were able to get many gifts from the generous donors. It was quite obvious that for some it was the most presents they ever got for Christmas. Many kids expressed their appreciation for their gifts. One kid in particular surprised staff with his Secret Santa thank you note. I didn’t expect it from this kid. He was an entitled kid with a rough exterior that rarely showed any emotion other than anger and bitterness.
It was evident that this kid found so much joy in giving to others. These kids make me want to become a better person.
The kids always seem to put things into perspective when I least expect it. One kid began sharing with me his plans for Christmas. He was going to eat dinner at his sister’s house and spend the day with her and his niece and nephew. He said he had a little toy for his niece and nephew and he was going to give his sister the $50.00 gift card that he was given for Christmas. I couldn’t believe it. He had so little but he was going to give the little that he had to his sister. I was so proud of him. It made me look at my own selfishness. I know I would have never done that for my sisters.
Another kid, one the comedians of floor, showed me that his joy came from giving and not receiving. He hesitantly came to the office and said “I don’t want to sound ungrateful but I don’t need this backpack. Is it Ok if I give it back to staff so they can give it to someone else?” We told him that everyone at the Cov got a backpack for Christmas and he should keep it. He said he already had one and someone else could use that one. Staff suggested he give it to someone as a gift if he felt that way. He got excited and said he would give it to some random person on the street. About an hour went by and he came back to the office with the backpack but this time it was filled with stuff. He filled it with the deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, underwear, wallet, belt and socks that he received for Christmas. He even got some fruit and water from the kitchen to put in the bag. He left for his mission with much anticipation.
I couldn’t wait to find out what happened. As soon as I saw him, I had to ask how it went. I could tell right away that he was proud of himself. He said “I gave it to a homeless man! I even took a picture with him on my cell phone.” He showed me the picture with such pride. I had to pick on him though because the picture was mostly sky with their faces at the very bottom of the picture. He laughed at his photography skills. He told me he talked to the homeless man for about ten minutes and he seemed like a nice guy who had a lot of struggles in his life. It was evident that this kid found so much joy in giving to others. These kids make me want to become a better person.
