Holiday project
December 8, 2008
As someone who has worked in social work for many years, it is clear to me that during the holiday season many of us are inspired to share our blessings with others. Often, families with children are targeted to receive gifts by many different social service agencies. Eight years ago, Tom and I became keenly aware that some people tend to fall between the cracks during this time. These people are alone. They may have recently come out of alcohol or drug rehab, they may have a chronic mental illness or may have recently left an abusive relationship. The reasons are myriad but the bottom line is the same- they go through the holidays alone and unnoticed.
Eight years ago, we adopted a rooming house in Woonsocket. Up to 25 single people live there in one-room apartments, sharing bathrooms with others on the same floor. We obtain the first names and sizes of all of these people and then we go shopping. Beginning four years ago members of Bell Street became involved. We have found that performing this service to others enriches our lives and helps us to connect with the sacred during this time of year.
If any of you feel moved to help with this project please sign up at our table during coffee hour this month. There are many ways you can help. On Dec. 14, we will be putting names on 25 stockings with glitter and glue, so come on down and get in the spirit. Some of you may choose to pick a name and a size and purchase either a sweater or hoodie for that person, bringing it to church with you before Dec. 21. Others of you may choose to purchase apples, oranges, candy or cookies for the stockings. Still others might like to help wrapping all the gifts on Dec. 21 at coffee hour. And finally, one or two of you may wish to volunteer to deliver the gifts. I’ll close with one of my favorite sayings–Many hands make light the work!
~Tom and Annette Briand
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