It’s the little things.
November might just have started, but we are already up to our elbows in wrapping paper and Christmas lists.
Each year in the fall, the families staying with us start filling out Christmas wish lists. Dolls, squish mallows, games, scooters – each kid writes down what they most want for Christmas. Our elves then put these items on our Amazon list and share them with some close, long-time partners and then the gifts start flowing in.
Our elves run a tight ship and when December comes around, countless volunteers spend countless hours wrapping, bagging, ribboning, and, most importantly, taping 100s of gifts for each of our programs – children and adults.
Everything culminates at our Christmas parties. Our singles programs have partiers of their own, with food, cocoa, and presents. Our family programs have a joint party, and that’s where things get crazy. We have delicious treats, a hot cocoa bar, games, activities, two Santa Clauses to pose and open gifts with – and while all this is going on, we have teams of elves running huge sacks of gifts up to each family’s room. When these families return home after the party, squeals of the delight instantly start up.
We recognize that it isn’t just the “big things” that make a difference for people – food, shelter, clothing – but also the little things. A person needs more than life essentials to thrive – and we want to provide opportunities for thriving for our shelter guests as much as we can. Christmas gifts can be a small but powerful way to do so, especially during a time of year that can be especially painful for families and individuals who might feel alienated from the joy and peace expected during the holiday season.
A huge thank you to everyone who helps make this time of year so special for our shelter guests. Please consider donating at Donations – Cornerstone Community Outreach or reach out to info@ccolife.org to inquire about Cornerstone Christmas sponsorship opportunities.
