Good morning…
My favorite Monday of the year is when we set up a Secret Santa Shop at PAWkids for the kids in the afterschool enrichment program. This past Monday was the day and my car was loaded down like a sleigh!
This year we simplified our giving, relying solely on the donations of our Thursday morning class, with our regular volunteers pitching in a few gift items as well. Each of the kids identified three adults in their lives for who they wanted to get a gift. After putting the adult’s name on a tag, the kids walked through the Secret Santa Shop, three at a time, choosing their gifts before heading to the gift wrapping room.
One volunteer brought her son as a helper. When I texted her see how his experience was, she replied, “He recognized so many things from our donations and loved that his sweet buddy got the skateboard for his brother. It really changes your heart when you can experience giving in that way. I’m so grateful you have provided us with an avenue to share the love of God in this tangible way.”
The kids ended up going through the leftover items and taking more little gifts for their family members, teachers, coaches, and friends. It was so generous and joyful. Fun. Fun. Fun. Any gifts remaining will be shared with the senior citizens in the Grove Park neighborhood.
Larenzia Lawrence, the afterschool program director at PAWkids, gave each one of the volunteers handwritten thank you notes with a beautiful bouquet of white roses. How kind and loving, very personal and sweet.
The next day, we received a note expressing gratitude from the entire PAWkids team.
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| As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank you for everything you have given to our afterschool program this year. Your time, care, and commitment have made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families, and we are deeply grateful for your support. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Because of you, our PAWKids continues to be a place of learning, encouragement, and connection. We truly could not do this work without you. | ||||||||||||||||||
| On behalf of the entire organization, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, restful New Year. We look forward to continuing this work together in the year ahead! | ||||||||||||||||||
| With sincere thanks, | ||||||||||||||||||
| The PAWKids Team | ||||||||||||||||||
| “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” | ||||||||||||||||||
| 1 John 4:16 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, MSG).
I have been overwhelmed by the abundant giving I have witnessed this semester of insecurity for many of the most vulnerable in our community. Our Secret Santa Shop planted so many great gifts in the hands of these special kids who are experiencing the joy of giving lavishly this Christmas season.
What a cool crop God is growing among us!
…Sue…
P.S. If you gave a monetary gift this semester and would like to receive a receipt for your tax deductible donation, please reach out to Ambria at pawkidsoutreach@gmail.com by the end of the year to receive documentation.
