Tis the season to spread holiday cheer, and what better way to do that then by helping out those in need?  This year, we decided to use our annual all staff holiday party as an opportunity for a Day of Caring.  Back in August, our team rolled up their sleeves to give back in Battle Creek, and we were excited to have another chance to volunteer with one our amazing partners. This time of year, many families rely on Family and Children Services to help them provide gifts and food for their households.  We adopted two families, one from Kalamazoo and one from Battle Creek, to buy presents and meals for.

Family and Children Services sent us over a list of the families’ needs, including ages and sizes for clothing items, and we had our staff sign up for any items they would like to buy.  We were shopping for twelve individuals, trying to find both fun and necessary items.  Last year, Family and Children Services served over 1,000 individuals, helping to provide neccesities that would make a big difference in people’s lives.  In addition to gifts, we packed two large food boxes, so that both families would be able to create a special holiday meal to share.

After the shopping was done, staff came together on Friday, Dec. 12 for our holiday party with a Day of Caring twist.  We turned our boardroom into a wrapping station and one of our conference rooms into a cookie decorating station.  Staff jumped right in and got creative, wrapping gifts and decorating cookies for both families to enjoy.  It was a great time for all of us, and gave us a chance to celebrate with one another and demonstrate the mission of our organization.  Once we finished up, we enjoyed a potluck lunch and heard more about the Holiday Giving Program from Dale Hein, of Family and Children Services.  This gave all of us a chance to reflect on the impact of our work, and how with everyone pitching in, we were changing the story for two families in our region.  

Together, we completed both families’ lists, with over 100 items ranging from hats and gloves to cleaning supplies for the homes.  We dropped off all of the gifts to Family and Children Services for the families to pick up.  With so many families being served, you would think the pick up could be chaotic or stressful.  The Holiday Giving Program, however, has wonderful volunteers who not only take you to your gifts, but also help load them in your car with a smile on their face.  For many in our region, this time of year can seem impossible, we’re proud to work with organizations who help ease some of that pressure and create special holiday experiences for so many.