Addie's Gift
Tax deductible
Who is Addie?
Addie is a first grader in Midland, MI. Her 7th birthday is in December.
What is her story?
[written by Mom]
The morning of 11/15/14 started like any other Saturday morning. The girls woke up yelling in delight at the first blanket of snow. They quickly ate their scrambled eggs and then ran around the house looking for snow pants and boots. Out the door they charged (minus a pre-teen big brother who was not to be bothered by a mere dusting of the white stuff). Sydney began shoveling the driveway and sidewalks, Addie thoughtfully considered how much time had to pass before hot chocolate was justified, and Audrey – wait, why was Audrey outside in her ballet clothes? As Daddy retrieved Audrey, I filled the dishwasher, and Addie decided enough time had passed. In she came, shedding winter clothes all the way through the kitchen. She climbed up on a bench positioned under a kitchen window and watched Sydney finish the sidewalks. “Mommy?” she questioned. I started to smile anticipating her inquiry as to whether we had mini marshmallows. “For my birthday, can I get presents and give them to kids who don’t have much?” I looked down into the dishwasher as I added another plate. “Do you mean you would like to give the gifts you receive to others?” She looked at me and nodded vigorously. “Yes! Can I do that?”
After more conversation about the types of gifts she could receive and the types of gifts that less fortunate kids need, we discussed other ideas. I wondered how I could possibly explain to a nearly 7 year old that the iTunes gift card she could receive would probably go to a child that did not have an iPod. I provided her examples of wants versus needs. I explained babies need diapers. Kids needs winter coats and boots. Homeless families need food and other supplies. As I left her to shower and get ready for the day, I asked her to think about what would be most important to her. After all, it was her birthday and it would be her gift.
She approached me about an hour later and said that she would like to give food to homeless families. “But not just food! Other things, too.” I looked at my child and willed tears away. “Do you mean other things like toothbrushes and toothpaste?” She nodded and said, “Yeah.”
What is Addie’s Gift?
In lieu of birthday gifts, Addie is collecting non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products (e.g., toothbrushes, toothpaste, liquid hand soap, deodorant, disposable razors, shave gel, bar soap, feminine hygiene items, toilet paper, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and bath towels), and winter outerwear to donate to local shelters.
All items will be donated to Midland's Open Door and Shelterhouse. The mission of Midland's Open Door is to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ by providing a variety of free services for the homeless, the hungry, and the needy. Shelterhouse is a non-profit organization committed to provide safety, shelter, advocacy, and counseling to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
How can I help?
Out-of-town donors can make a financial contribution via GoFundMe to send a donation directly to Midland’s Open Door. Midland's Open Door is recognized by the IRS as a charitable organization under the provision of IRC Section 501(c)(3), therefore cash donations are tax deductible. You will receive a confirmation email upon donation.
Spread the word! Share www.gofundme.com/addiesgift to your Facebook page to raise awareness.
Addie is a first grader in Midland, MI. Her 7th birthday is in December.
What is her story?
[written by Mom]
The morning of 11/15/14 started like any other Saturday morning. The girls woke up yelling in delight at the first blanket of snow. They quickly ate their scrambled eggs and then ran around the house looking for snow pants and boots. Out the door they charged (minus a pre-teen big brother who was not to be bothered by a mere dusting of the white stuff). Sydney began shoveling the driveway and sidewalks, Addie thoughtfully considered how much time had to pass before hot chocolate was justified, and Audrey – wait, why was Audrey outside in her ballet clothes? As Daddy retrieved Audrey, I filled the dishwasher, and Addie decided enough time had passed. In she came, shedding winter clothes all the way through the kitchen. She climbed up on a bench positioned under a kitchen window and watched Sydney finish the sidewalks. “Mommy?” she questioned. I started to smile anticipating her inquiry as to whether we had mini marshmallows. “For my birthday, can I get presents and give them to kids who don’t have much?” I looked down into the dishwasher as I added another plate. “Do you mean you would like to give the gifts you receive to others?” She looked at me and nodded vigorously. “Yes! Can I do that?”
After more conversation about the types of gifts she could receive and the types of gifts that less fortunate kids need, we discussed other ideas. I wondered how I could possibly explain to a nearly 7 year old that the iTunes gift card she could receive would probably go to a child that did not have an iPod. I provided her examples of wants versus needs. I explained babies need diapers. Kids needs winter coats and boots. Homeless families need food and other supplies. As I left her to shower and get ready for the day, I asked her to think about what would be most important to her. After all, it was her birthday and it would be her gift.
She approached me about an hour later and said that she would like to give food to homeless families. “But not just food! Other things, too.” I looked at my child and willed tears away. “Do you mean other things like toothbrushes and toothpaste?” She nodded and said, “Yeah.”
What is Addie’s Gift?
In lieu of birthday gifts, Addie is collecting non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products (e.g., toothbrushes, toothpaste, liquid hand soap, deodorant, disposable razors, shave gel, bar soap, feminine hygiene items, toilet paper, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and bath towels), and winter outerwear to donate to local shelters.
All items will be donated to Midland's Open Door and Shelterhouse. The mission of Midland's Open Door is to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ by providing a variety of free services for the homeless, the hungry, and the needy. Shelterhouse is a non-profit organization committed to provide safety, shelter, advocacy, and counseling to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
How can I help?
Out-of-town donors can make a financial contribution via GoFundMe to send a donation directly to Midland’s Open Door. Midland's Open Door is recognized by the IRS as a charitable organization under the provision of IRC Section 501(c)(3), therefore cash donations are tax deductible. You will receive a confirmation email upon donation.
Spread the word! Share www.gofundme.com/addiesgift to your Facebook page to raise awareness.
Organizer
Rachel McLaughlin
Organizer
Midland, MI
Open Door Crisis Shelters Soup Kitchen
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
