Christmas for less blessed children

OUR FIFTH YEAR! Christmas for the Less Blessed kicked off a later later than usual- life came FAST this fall- but I’m confident that this year will continue to provide children with the holiday cheer they deserve. For those that are not familiar with the cause that Austin Ludwig and I started 5 years ago, here it is:

28.

The number of days until Winter Break. (If you’re a teacher, I didn’t have to give you that number, you’ve been counting down for weeks now). Most students know it as well. For most, Winter Break brings great things- gifts, family members, a warm cozy bed to sleep past your normal alarm, so many cookies to fill your belly and the smells and noises of food and gathering fill your home. The days before Winter Break, most students are giddy. Exchanging gifts, comparing wish lists, overall excitement.

11. The number of days that Winter Break lasts. For some, this is the number of days they need to survive. No school-provided meals. No hugs from their friends, smiles from their bus drivers as they enjoy the heat on their ride to school, no encouragement from their teachers. They just want to make it through 11 days of seeing and hearing of all the gifts their classmates received, and the delicious food they ate. 11 days without school to distract them from their home life. Counting down the days until they know they will get at least two meals a day and not go to bed hungry, cold, lonely, or sad.

Christmas for the Less Blessed is a fundraiser that was started 4 years ago. After a long day teaching 7th grade, I was venting to a high school friend about my day. “But I can’t blame these kids, it’s not their fault they act this way”. And so, with it being close to the holiday season we decided that we would surprise these tough students.... The ones that sometimes make you wanna roll over and stay in bed instead of facing them Every. Dang. Day..... We decided we would shower these kids with love and attention. And so, every November since then we have done just that.

With the help of many other staff in our school, we seek to find the kids that need us the most. The kids that don’t have a single thing to look forward to on their 11 day Winter Break. On the last half day of school before the break, these students attend their very own holiday party. Recommended by a staff member, these kids are provided they happiness and joy that they deserve, even if it’s for a brief time.

And maybe, just maybe, this happiness is enough to last them 11 days until they get back on that warm bus, on their way to see the teachers that show up for them everyday, greeting them before they head down the hall for breakfast.

The kids that need the most help ask for it in the most unloving ways.

New shoes, clothes that fit properly, books, gift cards for meals..... last year we raised $1800 and put smiles on over 20 children’s faces. So this year, we are at it again.

Thank you for taking the time to read our cause.