Every holiday season, there are songs, shows, and questions about “what did you get from…” or “what are you getting for…” But what if you couldn’t afford to get gifts for your family? That’s one question that Random Acts Regional Representative-US Northwest, Samara Cogan, wanted to help answer.
Faith Family Food Bank in Snohomish County, Washington, gives out “Christmas Lists” to families every year. When these lists come back from the families they serve, they arrange the delivery of the gifts. The requests on these lists are simple things like sweatshirts and shoes. Such simple gifts can make a large impact on the families who receive them.
Practical gifts for the winter
By coordinating with Roxana at the food bank, Samara was able to get lists from families with older children or others with specific needs. One request was a wallet for a man who had no way to keep his ID secure. Another was for books about ASL for a family with a child who was losing their hearing so that they could all learn sign language together. She knew that many people like to give toys. That let her focus instead on practical items like winter gloves or deodorant. She and her mom shopped for good quality winter clothes and other “boring” things. These items not only brighten someone’s holidays, but also get them through the winter.
After Samara and her mom finished shopping, they were able to coordinate the deliveries. They provided clothing to one family with six children. The mother was thrilled that she would be able to give all of her kids new clothes for Christmas. At the end of her deliveries, Samara had been able to help 25 families with the funding from Random Acts. If you would like to help some of your neighbors in need this holiday season or any time of year, you can apply for funding through Random Acts here.
