Nicegy525
12-28-2006, 03:36 PM
I had the opportunity to volunteer some community service last weekend. I went with my girlfriend and her dad to a community center and helped hand out "Christmas Dinner In A Box" to more than 500 families in Mason County. We were there at 6:00 am, it had snowed about 4-6 inches overnight. The doors opened at 7:30 and families who had pre-registered poured in. The group of Veterans who organized this were able to raise 21 thousand dollars to buy the food and one family donated over 9 Thousand stuffed animals. Each child got to pick out at least 2 stuffed animals and the food was portioned out based on the family size. The food was enough to feed a family for days! One or more turkeys, stuffing, fresh fruit, potaotes, pancake mix, canned veggies. It was incredible! But the best part was seeing the look on people's faces, knowing that if it werent for these generous people they wouldnt be having a Christmas. I watched children come in (having stood outsied in line for hours) wearing NO SHOES. Their eyes lit up with excitement as the first thing they were greeted with was an army of stuffed toys for them to choose. Fathers who had been out of work for months came and thanked everyone.
The sad part was seeing some families use this charity as a freebie. There were obvious signs of welfare fraud as a few rolled up in expensive cars, wearing expensive jewelry and both husband and wife had registered seperately, taking home two boxes of food for a family of 5 each... :shifty:
But there was plenty to go around and those who werent able to pre-register were invited to come back later to claim the extras. And after that there was still extra food and animals! Next year we hope to donate hooded sweatshirts to help some more. All in all it was a truly humbling experience and it re-inforced the true meaning of Christmas. I would encourage any of you to get involved in something next year (or at any time!). It will bless your lives and enrich your holiday season. Have a Happy New Year everybody!!!
The sad part was seeing some families use this charity as a freebie. There were obvious signs of welfare fraud as a few rolled up in expensive cars, wearing expensive jewelry and both husband and wife had registered seperately, taking home two boxes of food for a family of 5 each... :shifty:
But there was plenty to go around and those who werent able to pre-register were invited to come back later to claim the extras. And after that there was still extra food and animals! Next year we hope to donate hooded sweatshirts to help some more. All in all it was a truly humbling experience and it re-inforced the true meaning of Christmas. I would encourage any of you to get involved in something next year (or at any time!). It will bless your lives and enrich your holiday season. Have a Happy New Year everybody!!!