When James and I were foster parents, there were many years that the "Elf Sleigh" helped to provide gifts for the children we cared for. The Elf Sleigh, as we called it, was actually The Giving Tree. The gifts were provided by people like you... Someone who stopped by the tree at Columbia Mall and chose a card, purchased items from the child's wish list and returned the gifts to the mall to be forwarded to the foster parent, who then was able to wrap the gifts and provide additional gifts as needed.
Foster parents often have six or more children in their home, and gifts from The Giving Tree are a great help to them as they attempt to provide a meaningful Christmas to a child who is often hurting from the circumstances in his or her life.
The best part may be that the ones who provide the gifts get the blessing of being a part of helping these children during the holidays! The phrase, "it takes a village", rings true here. In the best case, many people invest in the lives of a foster child. The foster parents, counselors, court advocates, case workers, school teachers and coaches, extended foster family members, church family, and, people like you, who might not even know the child, but want to help because God lays it on their hearts.
Ever wonder why WE get the gifts when it is JESUS' BIRTHDAY? I think if we give a gift to a foster child in the name of Jesus, maybe even pray over that gift before dropping it off, it is like giving a birthday gift to Jesus, Himself. How He must smile!
If you'd rather make a financial donation to The Giving Tree, checks can be mailed to: Columbia Foster and Adoption Project, 3615 Southland Drive, Columbia, MO 65201.
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10% of all purchases at Because Boutique throughout November will be donated to The Giving Tree |
