Assignment

     For my assignment, I decided to Volunteer on a Saturday at the "Christmas Store" in Woodstock. I was very interested in devoting my time to help young children have the opportunity to buy Christmas gifts for their families. A church provided a large area full of tables to display gifts that were donated throughout the entire year. As helpers, we were known as the elves, who helped the kids pick out gifts for each person on their “list” which consisted of all their family members, some of their ages and also grandparents. Similar to a store, there was a check out aisle. This is where an older gentlemen sat and put all their items into a box. At the end he would ask for a small amount such as, "Your total comes to $5 today", and would give them a sticker to show they had paid. I thought the idea of “paying” was really a good idea. The kids took pride in getting out their money to “pay” for their purchases. Afterwards,myself and the child I was helping, both headed downstairs to the workshop! The walls were covered in decorations to boost the Christmas spirit. Several helpers, (including my mom!) were ready and willing to help wrap all of their presents!!! This is where everything really started to hit me. As I walked a particular child back to her mom, she looked back at me and asked for a hug. Although I was a stranger to her, for the short time I had met her, she felt loved and accepted. She carried her “paid for” and “carefully selected” presents with pride. Her mom gave me $2 and told me to get myself a hot chocolate! I wished them a Merry Christmas and went back to help the next child standing in line. All day I remembered this little girl and how much of an impact she had on me! I truly believe an event like this could be set up in even more towns and cities. It would help those in need of “meaningful experiences” like me as much as those in need of “presents” for their families. I was also proud of the young kids who wanted to show their love to family members by giving gifts at Christmas time. I thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at the Christmas Store and would be happy to return next year! Thanks for the challenge!