I have a new tradition for NS. Last year I worked in the ER and about 2 weeks before christmas, we had a girl come in that had been hit by a drunk driver that left her paralyzed from the neck down. I usually tried not to get to emotionally involved with patients just because it's usually pretty super hardcore stuff, but after working on her for around 2 1/2 hours, I came out of the room and her mom was there sobbing. I talked to her a bit and learned that she was a single mother just trying to make ends meet. Now that her daughter had these medical bills and expenses, there was no way to provide christmas. I figured that something had to be done, so I turned to NS. The one thing that the daughter really wanted was an iPod, so that was the biggest thing that we tried to get. Sanders (whom everyone should +karma btw) donated a brand new iPod nano. You guys should have seen her when we gave it to her. She lit up. At that point, I think christmas had a new meaning for me. Its not about getting all presents. Its about helping someone out.
After having such awesome support (over 25 people donated $$ through paypal, or sent other gifts) last year, I decided that we should make this an NS tradition. I worked with a couple social workers who helped families out when they lose a loved one or just need some direction and help. They told me about this lady who runs an organization that provides christmas presents and food to underprivileged kids here in Salt Lake. In order to qualify to "shop" at this "store"', parents of these kids must be screened and meet several criteria to receive any help, so its completely legit and super needed. They then can go and see what could work for their kids and they are able to get a gift for their kids for christmas. Its really an awesome program. I went over there the other day and its an awesome setup. Just imagine how bad it would suck to have to answer your kids when they ask why Santa forgot them this year?
This is where you come in. We are looking for donations of either toys (in new or like new condish) or any other cool stuff that would work for kids from 4-18 yrs old. I know that everyone has that old iPod, or something else that just sits in your room doing nothing because you either got the newer model or just dont like it anymore. This would be an awesome way to make use of it. If you dont have anything at all that you can think of, you can donate $5 and i can go get something for you. Just remember that these will be going to kids as christmas gifts, so don't send something that is completely busted up or straight up nasty. Message me with any questions and I will give you more of the details.
Christmas really is an awesome time to realize that there is something that is bigger than all of us. I know how big of a difference that we can all make. Usually we want to do something, but never know what exactly to do. Here is your chance. I will be taking pictures like last year and put them up here on NS. Thanks for the help.
