Sitting here this morning elfing, listening to Sirius Holiday Traditions (back off, early Christmas music haters). Given the strategic challenges for businesses everywhere this year because of COVID, Black Friday promotions and shopping began in earnest a couple weeks ago. I have been taking full advantage. If you have been hearing the muffled sounds of crying, it is likely your pennies begging for mercy.
It might also be the sounds coming from me.
Every year at this time, I am deeply touched, humbled, and reminded how very lucky I am as I read through the emails from people asking for our help. For years I have been allowed access to people's worst nightmares, their very real fears, their self loathing for money problems they did not bring upon themselves, and their requests to have a human's most basic needs fulfilled.
Food. Jesus, that one has been at the top of the Yes, Virginia wish list for far too many years now. (An email I received from a mom details how she makes a single can of soup last three days for herself so the kids can eat regularly.) This year, hunger is highlighted in practically every email I read. Warmth. Another basic need as we enter another winter. I paid another gas bill just yesterday for a family up north. Clothing for children. I remember being excited about receiving clothing for Christmas, but I was a teenager and appearance was everything. These requests are for coats, boots, tennis shoes, socks, sweaters, long underwear, blankets - WARMTH.
Regardless how much the economy is touted by the current administration, the reality is the majority of people in this country are not invested in the stock market, in 401Ks. They are invested in the very real job of living from day to day, providing for their children. Unemployment is still very real. Zero additional stimulus means far too many people in this grand land of ours are living hand to mouth, going without so their children do not go to bed hungry.
I am pinching every penny we have received so far. Spending long hours finding the absolute best deals, free shipping, discount codes. But the elfing has miles to go before we even hit December.
If you are able to help with a donation, know you are doing far more than buying a toy for a child. You are buying security, warmth, lunch. Yes, there will be toys - I firmly believe that children should not have to give up the magic of Santa and Christmas morning because of circumstances beyond their parents' control. I have written so many times about Christmas being my most anticipated day of the year in my own childhood. That joy, that excitement, that fleeting belief in something so unbelievably magical is precious.
Just know that this year, especially, parents like you and I are finding out that joy and excitement can still be theirs, and that "magic" is a four letter "word", spelled DGMS.
As always, the link is open on the left side of the page. Paypal > Send Money > lsharp03@aol.com > VOILA.
Please donate if you can, and continue to send people our way. That includes YOU - if you need help this holiday season, email me. I do not care if we have helped you in the past. That will never preclude us helping you again.
We are all in this together, and our village of elves is amazing.
Now, someone hand me another Kleenex.
Love, Linda
Your Head Elf
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