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BentNotTwisted · 12-24-2003, 10:39 AM

I have not seen this rude type of behavior, but I have no doubt it exists.
I work in the public sector. As part of our organization there is a group of employees who organize an event called Adopt-A-Family. These special employees talk to local homeless shelters and health and human services groups to come up with the names of families that need a little extra help around the holidays. Each year for the last ten years or so several local families were selected based on their need. These were families that were ususally just barely getting by or recently homeless. Essentially they had the means to take care of day to day needs, but nothing left over for any kind of Christmas celebration.
The employees solicit donations from co-workers. This year $2126 was collected from an organization of roughly 500 employees. The money is used to buy toys and presents for those families deemed most in need. The families also receive donated canned and dry goods and gift certificates to local grocery stores for a nice holiday meal. Last Monday was the drop off day. One employee dressed up as Santa, and the local fire and police departments had workers drive up to the families homes in fire trucks and squad cars with lights and sirens going. These families knew they had been chosen to receive some gift, but they had no idea what was in store for them. They were simply overwhelmed at the generosity bestowed upon them.
Keep in mind, this is all done without notifying the media, it's not for publicity. It is done simply out of generosity by those that have a little extra this time of year and are willing to share it with those that don't. Even though some people have no interest in helping others around the holidays, there are many others who do.
Merry Christmas

12-24-2003, 10:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
BentNotTwisted Optimistic Skeptic Location: Midway between a Beehive and Centennial	I have not seen this rude type of behavior, but I have no doubt it exists. I work in the public sector. As part of our organization there is a group of employees who organize an event called Adopt-A-Family. These special employees talk to local homeless shelters and health and human services groups to come up with the names of families that need a little extra help around the holidays. Each year for the last ten years or so several local families were selected based on their need. These were families that were ususally just barely getting by or recently homeless. Essentially they had the means to take care of day to day needs, but nothing left over for any kind of Christmas celebration. The employees solicit donations from co-workers. This year $2126 was collected from an organization of roughly 500 employees. The money is used to buy toys and presents for those families deemed most in need. The families also receive donated canned and dry goods and gift certificates to local grocery stores for a nice holiday meal. Last Monday was the drop off day. One employee dressed up as Santa, and the local fire and police departments had workers drive up to the families homes in fire trucks and squad cars with lights and sirens going. These families knew they had been chosen to receive some gift, but they had no idea what was in store for them. They were simply overwhelmed at the generosity bestowed upon them. Keep in mind, this is all done without notifying the media, it's not for publicity. It is done simply out of generosity by those that have a little extra this time of year and are willing to share it with those that don't. Even though some people have no interest in helping others around the holidays, there are many others who do. Merry Christmas __________________ IS THAT IT ???!!! Do you even know what 'it' is? When the last man dies for just words that he said... We Shall Be Free