Richie's 3rd Annual Layaway Angels

Merry Christmas everyone! Those words were hard for me to say a few years ago. It is so hard to beleive that my precious son Richie has been gone 4 and a half years now. I want to first thank everyone who donated to "Richie's Layaway Angels" the past 2 years! Although he is not here with us physically, his spirit lives on through all of your love and support to those families in need at Christmas. Richie always wanted to give back and help others, he talked about this often and how it weighed on his heart to help others and make a difference. Although I never dreamed that it would be through his passing, I think he would be so happy to see the love that each of you have shown in his memeory to help others.The first year we raised $2600 and last year we raised $3015 to take care of layaways that had not been picked up for Christmas. Last year when we arrived at the layaway checkout line, we took care of those who were waiting in line first. This was the last Friday before Christmas so those in line had waited til the last minute to pick up their packages. We shared our story with those few, a story of all of the love that had come out of the loss of our cherished son. A story of all of those who wanted to help others have a nice Christmas in Richie's memory. There were tears of joy and disbelief! These families were so grateful and there were 2 that went onto "Richie's Layaway Angels" Gofundme page to give back and pay it forward! Isn't that what Christmas is all about? Love, the love God has for us and the love we show others! 

We used the rest of the money to take care of the layaways with toys that had not been picked up. Some of them were going to be put back because they had not made a payment. The clerk called me to tell me about the many families that were grateful and the tears that were shed when they told them that their Christmas layaway had been paid for by "Richie's Layaway Angels" and they could come pick it up. Many of them said they would not have had a Christmas if it werent' for that phone call. All of you who gave so generously made this possible. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for keeping Richie's loving spirit alive and for  making a difference to these families in need.

Once again, I am asking you to help keep Richie's spirit alive this Christmas and help those who may otherwise not have a Christmas. No donation is too small. We have 12 days of Christmas to give!!! We will be going to a local layaway on Friday December 22nd this year. I will be updating as the donations come in to reach our goal of $3100 this year! 

I wanted to also ask for a special prayer this holiday season as sadly,we know several families who have also lost a child since last Christmas. Pray that they too feel the spirit of their child to carry them through their first Christmas without them. When I think back to our last Christmas with Richie, I never dreamed that in 4 short months he would be gone. Please, hug your children as you are so blessed to have them with you this holiday season and every day!

Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year!!!