In This Article
Written by Keren Cotter, Associate Director of Development
Last month, I experienced my first Operation ELF event with Freedom House Ministries, and I was tasked with finding community members, organizations, and companies to donate gifts and create Christmas for 50 kids!
As conversations were had, and as friends of Freedom House shared what makes them excited to give, one word came to mind over and over: generosity. And I mean deep generosity. In the span of about a month, over 15 different families and businesses “adopted” kids in the midst of homelessness with the goal of giving hope during a tough holiday season. Not only this, countless others joined and donated gifts, books, toys, beauty supplies, electronics, and gift cards without any motive beyond generosity.
But can I be honest? Their support went far beyond providing a gift to a child. I shopped with a single mom residing in shelter, who has been in and out of shelters her entire life. She worked hard to provide all that she could for her children, but she came to Freedom House without the tools she needs to move into stability forever. While her family was in shelter over the holidays, she attended classes and learned skills to responsibly manage her finances. She worked with her Success Coach on parenting tools, and navigated employment as a single mom.
Knowing that all this hard work happens behind the scenes, it was humbling and even emotional to watch her meticulously pick gifts for each of her children. All the while smiling wide and thankful to provide a Christmas for them. Generosity made that experience happen.
I extend my deepest thanks to those who have practiced generosity towards families in difficult places. Your time, efforts, gifts, and contributions extend far beyond the simple act of giving and help create a spirit of generosity in both the giver and the given.
