As the holiday season approaches, many families are busy with preparations for gifts, gatherings, and festive meals. However, for some children, this time of year serves as a painful reminder of what they lack. A poignant example is a young boy’s request for school snacks, expressing his desire not to be the only one in class without something to eat.
This touching plea is part of a Christmas gift donation initiative by the non-profit organization, Things of My Very Own, Inc., located in Schenectady, New York. Their mission focuses on providing crisis intervention services for children affected by severe abuse or neglect. They also strive to support families, aiming to keep them together and prevent children from entering foster care due to financial hardships.
For this ten-year-old, a simple snack to share with classmates holds significant meaning. It’s more than just hunger; it’s about belonging and not feeling isolated. The request resonates deeply, highlighting how something as minor as a snack can have profound emotional implications.
The organization distributes gift tags to local businesses, allowing people to select and purchase the requested items, which are then wrapped and delivered by Things of My Very Own, Inc. Fortunately, many are eager to fulfill the young boy’s wish for snacks and Pokémon cards, showcasing a community’s readiness to help.
However, his is just one of many tags seeking assistance. From young children wishing for Batman and Thomas the Train toys to older kids in need of clothing, there are countless opportunities to make a difference this holiday season. For instance, one little boy, just six years old, is asking Santa for food alongside a toy soldier. It’s heartbreaking to realize that a small child has to ask for food as part of their holiday wishes.
An eleven-year-old girl requested blankets and a coat, specifically mentioning her preference for blue, and felt compelled to inform potential gift givers that she is “a nice person.” This poignant detail underscores the harsh reality many children face, feeling the need to justify their basic needs. Thankfully, many people have expressed their desire to help this sweet girl.
Amid these heartbreaking requests, there are also reminders of childhood innocence, such as a sibling rivalry over toys. Organizations like Things of My Very Own, Inc. are not alone in their efforts; similar initiatives are often found in schools, churches, or workplaces, focusing on “adopting a family” or helping individual children in need.
If you’re in a position to help, consider reaching out to your child’s school to see if there are opportunities to provide snacks for students in need or if there are families seeking clothing or food assistance. Involving your children in these efforts can be a valuable lesson in compassion. This year, I plan to give my kids money for a grocery store trip, allowing them to choose items to donate to their school’s food drive. Even a small contribution can make a difference; a mere $5-$10 could provide snacks for a month for that little boy, greatly boosting his confidence and focus in school.
In a world that often feels harsh, especially after a challenging year, it’s vital to spread kindness and generosity. If you’d like to support Things of My Very Own, Inc. directly, you can do so through their website. Other organizations like Toys for Tots, Operation Christmas Child, and Make A Wish also support children during the holidays.
In summary, as we engage in the spirit of giving this season, let us remember the simple yet profound requests from children in need, and take action to help them.