Christmas Spirit

Yesterday, I saw something that really shows what Christmas should be about. You know how most companies will pick a few angels from the tree, do some gifts and so on? Which is great, if they do it. I am definitely not knocking that custom, as so many kids go without. Well, we started out that way but our CEO decided that just wasn't enough this year. So first we went to DCS, to try and do something for some foster children. You wouldn't believe the rules and stipulations. They practically made it impossible to make the gesture. So one of my co-workers had an idea, and went to the Nashville Mission. The Mission is a homeless shelter, that used to be men only. This past year, they have had to 'add on' due to the large amount of homeless women & children. We approached the Mission, looking for a way to really make a difference in someone's life. Someone who is trying but just can't get back on their feet. And they came through. There was a woman in the Mission, who has just had a snowball effect of bad luck. First her husband left, while she was pregnant with their SEVENTH child. (okay, no comment). And he's a deadbeat, so no help. But she was still doing her thing, working, keeping a roof over the their heads, food in their bellies. She couldn't pay all the bills, but they had food & shelter. Then she got laid off. After that it all went downhill. They lost their home, lived in a van for a while. The van was taken, and she ended up at the shelter. She has her older children split up at friend's homes, and foster care. The shelter will not allow children over ten, so she is getting ready to lose another child to foster care if she can't make other arrangements. It's just a sad, sad story. Anyway, instead of angels, we bought gifts for her family. Shoes, coats, etc. One of our admins took her to get her drivers' license reinstated. (when you live in your van, you get a lot of parking tickets.) Then she got great news, that she is getting her job back! And our CEO bought her a used mini-van, so she wouldn't have to rely on public transit. (if you are in the Nashville area, you know how bad our public transit system is) And one of our admins, that has been working with her all along, is trying to find a place for her to live. The company is going to help her get in, with deposits & such. We'll probably have to co-sign, too. Anyway, our Christmas luncheon was yesterday. Usually we go to the Palm or some other posh expensive restaurant. This year, we had luncheon catered in the office, and invited the family to get their Christmas gifts. Watching those kids, and their mother was just beautiful. She had no idea about the van, and was so touched. The kids were great, so polite and excited. One of the boys was obviously the family spokesperson, and made a huge thank you 'speech' on behalf of the family. He's only ten, and was so cute and sincere. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. Even the men were teary-eyed.

Anyway, I thought I would share that story. How often do you get to work for a company that gives back like that?