The power of giving is an unexpected joy until you experience it for yourself. I realized this as I sat on the limestone pylons circling the kiss and parked by the Truax Gateway. I adjusted my Santa hat and checked my radio. Other volunteers waited inside the warm foyer with gifts prepared for grateful families.
Black trash bags protected the beautifully wrapped presents from the weather. An earlier survey error resulting in the misplacement of a gift had turned the staging room into a deliberate rustling of plastic as we double checked our work.
The kindness and patience of the organizers gave a sense of purpose, ensuring no member would be blamed for a mistake. First time organizers Lina DeMarte and Scarlett Martino had been working on Santa’s wish list project since the fall. Any large volunteer event like this involves spreadsheets, flyers and forms. I arrived at the last minute to participate.
Over Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, more than 100 children received presents, not a surprise since many families were notified of the program through the volunteer center. Passing out flyers early learning campus and contacting family friends bolstered participation.
Four families were unable to make the pick-up dates, but the organizers continued to reach out even while on vacation. The resourcefulness and initiative poured into the program this year embodied the holiday spirit in an infectious fashion.