Joy and Gratitude

This Christmas, 81 families in our community were blessed with gifts for their children, who might otherwise have been without. As we helped parents load up gifts and packages into their cars, we shared joy, laughter, tears, and gratitude for God’s bountiful grace. 

Here are just a few of the comments we received from grateful families: 

“First and foremost thank you for simply praying with me. I do not take for granted someone's hard earned money, thoughtfulness, and most of all kindness. This is such a blessing and it's very much appreciated. Thank you for allowing the Most High's grace and mercy to pour into your heart as well as your lifestyle, and so will I the rest of my days.” [single mother of 3]

“Please thank the small group from the bottom of my heart! This was such an unexpected but HUGE blessing!” [single mother of 5]

 “The kids loved everything. Thank you sooo much for your help. It was a blessing. Merry Christmas.” [parents of 2]

“Merry Christmas!! Once again, thank you so much for everything. He is having a blast!” [single father of 1]

“Thank you again. Please let the donor know that we said thank you so much. We are so grateful and they are truly a blessing to us.” [parents of 3]

“I know Christmas isn’t about the presents, but it has been a very difficult year, and it means so much knowing there will be gifts under the tree on Christmas morning.” [single mother of 1]

One mother of 6 was overwhelmed with gratitude when her mentor delivered gifts for each of her children. According to the mentor, this mother shared that her children had not had much in the way of Christmas gifts for the last 2 years. She signed up with another organization last year and they lost her registration. They scrambled to find some things for her children and were able to come up with some little things for which she was grateful. She said her children will be so surprised when they wake up this Christmas morning and will be so happy.  [single mother of 6]

“I keep trying to find time to write out a full thank you to Salty, but from me to you, THANK YOU! Christmas was a blast for the kids. I couldn’t have picked better gifts myself. My husband and I are astounded by the quality of the gifts and how personalized they all were. This is a program I hope to contribute to and volunteer with this coming year! I am humbled by the generosity of strangers over and over again in this community, but especially Salty. We finally feel like we have a home and as though things are all going to be okay. Again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you and thank Salty and all of the wonderful staff and volunteers who made our Christmas so wonderful!” [parents of 3]