I’m just going to come right out and say it: life is hard. It is overflowing with pain and suffering: trials and tribulations that can tear people apart. I believe that we called to assist in building people back up. I first noticed the brokenness of life about nine years ago, when I was only nine years old. On a family trip to Chicago, I noticed how many people were left stranded on the streets of the city, homeless. I knew I needed to help, so I immediately got to work. I began saving up my birthday and Christmas money, asking friends and family for donations, and doing extra chores around the house. A few months later, I had saved up enough money to create twenty care packages for the homeless, filled with blankets, Bibles, hats, gloves, and food. To me, these were the most important necessities, both physical and spiritual, that I could provide for the upcoming winter.

I grew up in a Christian household, where I was taught of God’s love and selflessness. As a practicing Christian, it is my duty to the Lord to share this love with the people who do not yet know it, so I included hand-made Christmas cards within each Bible, telling each recipient how deeply loved they are. When I returned to the city that holiday season to distribute the care packages, I was met with an enormous smile on each recipient’s face as they gave me a loving response of “God bless you.” This small statement changed my life. Despite their hardships, despite their suffering, these amazing people tenaciously clung to their faith in God.

That day, I fell in love with helping people. Since then, I have made twenty-five to thirty-five care packages every year, and every year, I am filled with joy when I see another smiling face. Nevertheless, I know that I can do more.

This year, I am looking to create 120 care packages for the homeless and center the distribution in West Lafayette. I want to start expanding my outreach, but I can’t do it alone. That’s why I’m asking for your donations to help me make a difference this holiday season in West Lafayette.