Christmas can be a tough season for many kids, especially for those from broken and needy families. Christmas can mean lonely kids, empty stockings, and bare trees instead of family time, treats & toys. And that’s why Windrose stepped in to help!
On Saturday, December 10th, the Windrose Houston Philanthropy Team deployed 7 elves to serve at the Navidad en el Barrio Christmas program. The goal: making the season brighter for local inner city kids.
All morning, elves from the Windrose Project helped finish wrapping and organizing the donated toys and gifts into circles all across the George R. Brown Convention Center floor. The volunteers carefully sorted the gifts by gender and age. Their hard work was in preparation for the arrival of 2000 eager, handpicked elementary students.
During the afternoon, everyone enjoyed a festive meal and a holiday celebration. Our Windrose volunteers escorted a large group of 3rd graders from Scroggins Elementary School through the gift distribution process. Some kids ripped open their gifts right away while others hugged their wrapped presents. When asked about their peculiar patience, many responded that they wanted to save it until Christmas. It might be the only gift they would receive that year.
Above all, Navidad en el Barrio’s mission is making life more pleasant for those less fortunate than others, and Windrose got to be a part of this mission. The Navidad en el Barrio Christmas program began almost 30 years ago, to bring Christmas to inner city children from broken and needy families. Principles from local elementary schools nominate children, often from single-parent homes, to participate. The morning of the event more than 2,000 children arrive on hundreds of buses, and prepare to receive their gifts after lunch and entertainment featuring Pancho Claus. You can read more about the organization here.
Windrose is proud of our eager elves! Sacrificing time was a small price to pay in order to spread some Christmas cheer and serve as Santa’s little helpers. We are thankful for the chance make a difference in the lives of kids in need.
Of course, Christmas is not all about gifts. But it is a season of miracles and beautiful time for giving. Indeed, the greatest gift of all, baby Jesus, arrived 2000 years ago in a humble stable in Bethlehem. Serving children in need is a wonderful way to encourage them to believe in the miracle of Christmas and to remind them that they are loved.
Do you know someone who needs a little love or encouragement this Christmas season? Why not reach out to them this week?
