Christmas Connection

This year we wanted to do a little more serving around Christmas time.  There really are so many neat ways to serve those around us.  Because there are so many ways, it can be hard to figure out what do to.  A couple of different people had mentioned how they were serving at Christmas Connection.  One church LifeGroup adopted a family and another family was going to volunteer at the warehouse.

I decided to give them a call to see what we could do.  I explained there were 5 of us, four of which were kids from 5-12.  She was a little hesitant about EG, but I told the lady we go everywhere together and I felt she would stay by me and not get in the way.  I told her if it didn't work out, we would just leave and she seemed OK with that.

So, this past Monday, the kids and I went to serve at the Christmas Connection warehouse.  The organization provides food, clothing and gifts for over 500 families in our county and surrounding counties.  It is a BIG operation.  Anyway, we checked in and met with a volunteer who coordinated our jobs in the warehouse.

Our first job was to go through a couple of bags, boxes and grocery carts full food and separate it all out.  The kids did awesome and took it very seriously.  When we were done with that, we went over to the toy section and helped to find all the toys that needed batteries.  We then attached batteries to those toy boxes.  We also helped separate some containers and carts of toys.  Our last job was to sort and separate donated socks and underwear.

Before we did our last job, a lady who has been volunteering for over 10 years, took the time to show us around and explain just how everything works and what the needs are around the area and some of the other ways needs are met.  She enjoyed talking with the kids and was so thankful for our willingness to serve.

We really appreciated being able serve and knowing we were helping others.  I think we were all kind of surprised by the needs just in our local area.  The kids were disappointed we couldn't go back on another day (or two.)  They made me promise to put it on the calendar for next year, in plenty of time so we could help out more than once.

It just reminded me how truly blessed I am, we are, with a happy, healthy family that truly wants for nothing.  I believe it helped all of us put things in perspective in such away that maybe it brought just a little bit more meaning as to how and why we celebrate the Reason for the Season.  And that being here on Earth isn't about us but about loving God and loving and serving others . . .