Christmas 2010

Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.  ~Janice Maeditere

I thought I would start my first blog with a quick little quote about Christmas :) Christmas is a time where families get together, open up gifts and enjoy each others company, but what about those out there that don't have that opportunity to experience this wonderful time of year with there families? Well this Christmas, my friends and I wanted to not only help out people but also give back to the community. My friend a few months back came up with this great idea of collecting clothing for the homeless. During the last few months, he was able to collect enough clothing, backpacks, coats, bibles and other things from local people in our church community and stores in the community to fill up his dad's big trailer. His original plan was that on Christmas morning when each of us our opening up our gifts with our families, him and his dad were going to drive to Toronto, Ontario and walk the streets and give out the clothing and other things to the homeless and/or people that needed it. This way everyone could have a good Christmas this year. But, he was able to collect so much stuff that he was able to make two separate trips, to two different cities. On Monday, of this past week, my friends and I traveled to London, Ontario, where we met up with the volunteers at a local food kitchen called the Ark Aid Missions. This is a center where they serve meals and give out clothing to those on the streets, or people that don't have as much as others can come in and get a warm meal and meet with other people in the community. From there we got introduced to everyone, and we were able to get started. We each grabbed as much stuff as we could carry and on our way we went. This was the first time I've ever done something like this, so not only did i find it a bit awkward, but also a bit overwhelming. As we walk up and down Dundas St. we saw many people. We gave out clothing, hats, mitts, socks, coats, backpacks, bibles, food, etc etc. And to see some of the people after receiving some of these things, could only bring a smile to your face. The warm feeling in your heart is powerful, and it keeps you going as the day goes on. Once giving out all the stuff that we brought with us, it was back to the Ark Aid Missions for us, where we helped serve coffee, tea, and food. Others had the opportunity to sit down with someone and talk to them. The stories that were told were powerful, and just to think that everyone out there lives the same as we do, we are wrong and we need to start thinking about others. Some people go day by day, just wanting to talk to someone, but not having that opportunity can be hard. So for us to just sit down for 20 Min's to and hour and just listen to them, could probably make there day. Their no different then any of us. You don't know what people go through on a day to day basis, so go up to that person you wouldn't usually talk to and just ask them how there day is going. You never know you could make a new friend, or change there feeling of the day. After all this was said and done, we then piled back into our cars and headed home. Its a great feeling knowing that you helped someone, that may or may not have as much as you. They not only know that God loves them, but there able to give there loved one a gift for the holidays or something to just keep them warm for the night. So when you are at home with your families this Christmas, I want you to think about the people out there that don't have a place to go or a family to be with this holiday, instead of that iPod or that brand new camera you wanted but didn't get. Christmas is a time filled with loving, caring and sharing. So love the people around you, care for others you do and do not know, and share with everyone. I have this Christmas, have you?