Let Claire See Her Children This Christmas

Make Someone's Christmas Wish Come True Because You Care

If you have been to Pomfret Dining Hall, you have probably seen Claire. She works the front desk when you scan your card to get into the dining hall. If you ever had the chance to talk to her, you would know she is kind, giving, and overall a great human being. She always finds a way to make people smile and brighten their day. She even occasionally cooks food at home for students, making chicken fried rice, noodles, dumplings, and other delicious dishes from her own money, even though she can barely afford her rent. She also helps other co-workers by cleaning tables, even though she hobbles around painfully on a damaged hip from table to table. Although Claire struggles financially and physically on a day-to-day basis, she still chooses to give to others. She still makes the decision to give her time, money, and energy to serve the students around her.

When I asked her what makes her act the way she does, she responded by saying, "It's because of my children. Whenever I look at you students, it always reminds me of my children." When I asked her about her children, she told me that her boys live in the Philippines and that she hasn't seen them in many years and that if she could have one thing in the world, it would be to see her children again. Sadly, she cannot afford to pay for plane tickets, which cost thousands of dollars, and she is simultaneously under financial stress due to her landlord trying to kick her and her husband out of an apartment she has lived in for nearly a decade.

With this, I knew it was my responsibility to give her the opportunity to make that dream come true. I can't imagine having my family living 8,307 miles away from me, and for all the things she has done for this community, I would like to return the favor.

Imagine what it would be like if you could give someone a Christmas miracle this year. You can make Claire know that she is cared for and loved by the students around her just by giving a few dollars. Give what you are compelled to give. Whether that's $5, $20, or $50, every dollar counts.

I know most of you probably don't personally know Claire or have ever seen this lady, but if you value family, love, and connection, then you should know that a few dollars are just a small sacrifice to give up for someone to have a Christmas that they can remember and cherish for the rest of their lives.

With the $6000: