I have a Christmas I remember most. I was 7 or 8 and we had some family members who were struggling. I have three sisters and we weren’t well off, but had the happiest childhood. Our parents came to us and explained that we were going to have a smaller Christmas so that another family could have presents they needed. We went shopping for them together and bought coats and presents and warm clothes. We wrapped everything up and watched from the car as my dad brought a big bag of gifts to their front door and secretly left them. The next day (Christmas) we were at a family party and were thrilled when they walked in with their new coats on! It is still one of my favorite Christmas memories! Giving to someone who needs it. There is no better feeling! So this year when I was chosen to work with Pampers to help a family in need I was THRILLED! Talk about a dream come true! Don’s still young, but I want him to know how great it is to give and that everyone can make the world a better place!
So Pampers was super generous and donated a gift card (and diapers, of course!) to a family with a young child. I reached out to my local food bank (who has a great sub for Santa program- you can choose one child and do one gift so even if you have a small budget you can give!) and they had a perfect family for me! I don’t want to give away any personal details about the family, but from the second I reached out to them they were kind and grateful. The family has 4 kids the youngest being 8 months old. I asked the mom what the kids needed- she was a little confused because the food pantry said they might be able to get one gift per child. But we wanted to do that and more! She gave me her kids names, ages, sizes, needs, wants, and what the whole family could use.
Since I come from a family who loves to give, I invited them with me to help shop and wrap gifts. My family was so sweet and brought additional items that they thought would be of use for our sub for Santa family. We headed to Target one night and I had assignments for everyone. We spent the night trying to find the perfect things that will make this family’s life just a little better. We headed home and wrapped everything up while sipping hot chocolate and listening to Christmas music.
wheeling the dresser and crib to the car!
Because I wanted to help this family the very most I possibly could, I reached out to two additional companies- Down East was kind enough to donate warm clothes for the mom and the daughter. The outfits are SO cute and I am sure they will love them! Copper Pearl donated bibs, crib sheets, wash cloths, and a blanket. My friend Stephanie from high school owns Copper Pearl and they sell the cutest baby gear. I so appreciate their generosity!
Then it came time to deliver the gifts! We loaded everything in our truck and headed over. My sister and her family came too! We brought everything up to their apartment and got to visit with them and really fell in love! They were the sweetest family and so gracious! They gave us some homemade candy that was adorable. We drove home and I felt so happy. This is what Christmas is all about isn’t it? Giving and feeling the spirit of extending yourself. The family told us the awesome news that the dad just got a job offer that day! We are beyond thrilled for them and their Christmas miracle!
Thank you, thank you to Pampers for your donation. All of this happened because of you! One of my dreams when I started this blog was to help the world and what better way to start than in your very own community?! I couldn’t feel more fulfilled this Christmas! Thanks Pampers!