The perfect way to start this Christmas Eve day. My folks have always found a way to make Christmas extra special for others in their community. I remember as a child, mom and dad would choose a family in our church who’d had a difficult year. Then they’d play Secret Santa. They’d buy toys for the kids, necessary items for the parents and a little extra in an envelope. Santa’s surprises would be quietly delivered to their car during the Christmas Eve service. One year I was able to help with the stealth delivery and I thought my folks were so cool!
Last evening I arrived at my folks’ place. This morning we were up extra early to head to the local fire station. There were boxes still waiting for all kinds of meat – sausage, chicken and hamburger. Bags of sweet potatoes and apples still needed to be placed in the 250 boxes strewn out on the floor of the station. Each family would receive a box of perishables and another of meats and veggies and fruit. Plus, an envelope was placed in each box – a gift certificate from a local grocery store. My folks have been helping with this community service for 30+ years. It’s quite the undertaking and takes months of collecting, sorting, soliciting and organizing.
I had the absolute privilege of working alongside my mom and dad, getting the boxes finished up for delivery.
Again, the power of community helping those whom they do life with daily. Those of an active, involved local community know the specific needs of others who live nearby. My parents have been an incredible example of what it means to go the extra mile and to graciously serve those around. Best part? Thankfully, community serve doesn’t discriminate by age. My dad is 86 next month and mom is 84! They have been serving community both here and abroad ever since I can remember ☺️
