Christmas!

8:45 AM Elizabeth Seckman 19 Comments

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.  

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1mEoVbBsDs68JkIjJgio_x_WBryut6dX4
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. 

19 comments:

  1. Love this post, Elizabeth! And what a wonderful inspiration that woman is! I can totally see why she was the best part of the week. :)

    Happy Holidays!

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    1. I should have gotten her email address to put her to work later...

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  2. That's a good reason to be absent. We used to work with another church for "Christmas in the Park." People could come and get a free pancake breakfast and go "shop" (free) at the garage sale of donations. My husband and I loved doing that part. There were never enough toys (people would swoop in and take them all in the first hour) so we would buy 10-20 and keep them hidden for kids who came in later so no one went without.

    Merry Christmas!

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    1. I was shocked that we didn't run out of toys. I credit Bev, my partner. She kept circling the place to stop people from leaving with whole boxes of stuff. If not, sometimes that's what happens. One or two will swoop in and ruin it for everyone else.

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  3. Well you are just all sorts of awesome! Have a blessed Christmas.

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  4. he the best reason to be away! Time well spent. And what a wonderful event. Happy Holidays.

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    1. It is a wonderful event. Probably one of the most useful ones I help with.

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  5. You are so AMAZING, Elizabeth! Have a wonderful Christmas, my friend.
    Hugs
    Suzy xx

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    1. I wouldn't say that. You don't want me getting a swelled head and all.

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  6. I don't know how you do it all. I get tired just reading your posts. You'll have jewels in your crown, lady.

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    1. You know me...I've got to do something to counteract my potty mouth.

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  7. It is very busy! You have a happy holiday too.

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  8. You my friend are a natural at bringing the holiday cheer. Thank you for this little heart warmer.

    Hugs for a most enjoyable, love-filled season.

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  9. With the worthwhile things you are doing, you are definitely excused from blogging and commenting:)
    If you think about it next year, give me a shout out. I still have my daughter's stuffed animals and would love to find them a good home. I'd be happy to send them.
    Hugs

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  10. HI Elizabeth! Merry Christmas and all the best for a HAPPY and HEALTHY new year! What you did/are doing is a miracle to those people who benefit from your generosity and love for humanity. Don't even give it second thought. I wish I had your ZEST. I am worn out from stressing over everything in the world. So, I am home in my own cocoon... Take care and say safe my dear! Hugs, Michael

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  11. Wonderful! And I'm glad you were able to accommodate the lady. <3

    Happy New Year!

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