Christmas!

The holidays are here and so is the fun, the excitement, and the work. 

Yes, Virginia, there is a lot of work for Santa Claus (and his help). 

That’s why this post is late and I've yet to do blog rounds for IWSG week and I promised myself I would do better at that. The Christmas season in social services is a busy time. By the end of the week, I’ll have assisted with three Christmas events for children and families, one parade, a week of giving, and meals and gifts for many of our families. 

So, if you’ve seen me less around the blogosphere during December, I haven't flaked out. I'm just busy and my negligence is for a good cause. 

 

Starting top left, I spent a day hanging with Mrs. Claus. She stopped by our offices to read to the kids who were busy with crafts, games, and hot cocoa. 

Next is the Day of Giving, which is more like a week of prep and two days of giving, but that title would never fit on a flyer. For two days we accept donations from the community. Then we sort through it and set it out so people can "shop". Then we open back up to the community. Anyone from anywhere can come and pick up whatever they want for free. It's our hope that no one goes without gifts for Christmas. Our community is such a wonderfully generous community, the items donated are always gently used and many times still new with tags. We estimated over $15,000 worth of items was distributed. Over 250 people came through shopping for over 500 people. My back is still a bit sore, but it was time well spent! 

Lastly, our day in the parade. We put together our float for $25. The Health Plan of the Upper Ohio Valley donated candy for us to throw so we could spread the word (and some cheer) about our coalition and our youth programs.  

Thinking back on it, we could have extended the wall by the fireplace...
or we could pretend we were staying modern with our open concept wall. 

One more week and three more events to go and it's vacation/family/writing time! 

*Best part of the week? A 93 year-old lady stopped by our Day of Giving. She said she would love to be of help, but couldn't lift and carry anymore. I told her we never turn away a worker and gave her a job folding clothes. She was a delight to spend time with. If I'm able to make it into my nineties, I hope I can have half the spirit as this wonderful lady. If the holidays aren't the happiest of times or too much idle time gives you the blues, find a place to volunteer. Here's a great website to help you find a match.