That's what one little girl said with tears in her eyes as she received a shirt, pants, shoes, art supplies and a toy she wanted. She and the other children of La Escuelita, our literacy and prevention program at the House of Neighborly Service in South Tucson, received a bountiful load of gifts individually chosen and wrapped by the Tucson Firefighters Association, and delivered by Santa, Mrs. Claus and one of their elves. Many of the children took their gifts home unopened so they would have something to open on Christmas.
Twenty-five local businesses and organizations like this, as well as 21 individuals, adopted names this year or held drives of toys and basic needs to benefit the children, youth and senior clients in our programs.
More than 325 clients received gifts and gift cards worth more than $20,000. For clients struggling to make ends meet, a gift card for groceries or new clothes for school made a huge difference. For many, it was the only gift they were to receive.
One disabled senior client who has been choosing between spending her limited income on food and medicines used her gift cards to buy both for herself, and thanked us for the "calming spirit" it brought to her holidays. Another used a gift card for the copayment on a needed medical test.
A formerly homeless young parenting couple got tires for their car so they could get to work and school.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart," said one homeless young client. "If I could meet you I'd give you a big hug."
From all of us at Our Family, our deepest appreciation to everyone whose generosity helped make this year's Holiday Gift Tree the best yet.
