There are always kids who fall through the cracks and get missed by the large charities. And it’s not a kid’s fauilt if the parents are crackheads or alcoholics.
I’m never too comfortable telling this story for fear of people thinking I’m boasting. Believe me, that is not the case. Every year my wife and I buy some toys and a few days before Christmas we get in the car and let God decide where to take them. It works everytime. Here’s one example. Two years ago were drove past a country church. I went in and asked the preacher if he knew of anyone who needed some toys. He explained that a member of his church had just lost his job and had moved back to the area. The man had just called the preacher asking him if he knew where he could pick up a few toys for his 9 year old daughter. Believe me, she had a wonderful Christmas!
And I won’t even go into what we call “The Crockett, Texas Miracle”. Let’s just say we’re sure we went where God wanted us to go.
I started doing this because I grew up hating Christmas because my childhood Christmases were not merry. Seldom was there anything under the tree. If we had a tree. I figured if I could stop one little boy from hating Christmas, it would be worth it. Well, I don’t know about the little boys who got our toys over the past 16 years, but this “little boy” sure doesn’t hate Christmas anymore.
While I hate organized poverty and organized charity, I too do my charitable work on my own. I usually know the circumstances of the people I help.
I always ask God to put people in my path and He is very obliging that way.
You are far from boasting.
I consider it “cluing others in” to something that flies below the radar for many. Someone not having much at Christmas is a hard subject to face. And even when we do face it in the form of the Salvation Army pot outside of Walmart, or “Santa’s Helpers” on the local news stations, and more on a personal level with what you do, it is easily forgotten with our own families to worry over.
It’s good to have reminders like yours. You did not ask for it, but I will say it: Thank you. I’m sure every child and parent you helped over the years is grateful.
God bless you, Sir. You have learned (and by example, taught) the real meaning of Christmas!