Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Secret Santa for a Family in Need


--by twilightgecko, posted Oct 1, 2008

I have always hated how Christmas has become more about the commercial side and less about the giving.  So, a few years ago, I was without a job (between jobs, but not working none the less)  but knew I wanted to give something to someone that needed things more than I did. 

I searched around and found a local community centre (this isn't my home town, so I wasn't familiar with the area yet) and asked if there was anything I could give to help someone else.  Well, it was just a couple days before Christmas and the lady there told me that there was a family in need, who had submitted their names, but had somehow gotten lost in the system.  They didn't know what they were going to do about it, so, my boyfriend and I decided to take them on and be their Secret Santa. 

All we knew about them was that they had 2 children.  I guess all they ask of their gifters is to buy the children a new set of clothes.  We scrounged up all the money we had between us and stretched our dollars thin, but got them 2 new outfits each, as many toys as we could, and when my sister heard what we were doing, she pitched in with gift certificates for gas, food, cookies and coffee, because I think even adults deserve something on Christmas.  I have never felt so good about doing a good deed in my life.

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Readers Comments

kathy wrote: That was very nice of you and your family. I was able to do that myself a few times it is a great feeling, but sad to say there is not alot of people out there like that anymore, my family is in big stress right now it is just me and my husband of 13 years and our 4 children we relocated with our jobs in 2006 moved back home in 2007 we lost everything our home we had built up for the past 10 years now we are renting with opion my 2 girls are ib a unfinished basement which hurts me badly my husband has worked every since he was 16 now 38 only has missed 2 day's of work,he is a great father and husband,i am not able to help him sad to say having 4 children paying for childcare i would be oweing out more than what i would make, i have been really depressed i feel like the only one who is trueley paying for this is my kids, they lost thier rooms most of all there toys, fence, swing set a secure place and with me not being able to work it is even harder for us to gain all that back. My husband cannot do anymore than what he is doin he works 60+ hrs aweek and he feels like he is letting his family down i kbow we will eventually regain, my most concern is them for christmas sad to say we use to have big ones,but we are not going to be able to buy nothing with us only having 760. 00 to run on month to month for food. Gas diapers,etc. If you or anyone could help or guide me on any programs me and my family would be so so greatful
KATHY wrote: Email for kathy klynnslayton@aol. Com thanks to anyone who trys to helping me guide my way through
BedBug wrote: Oh, it is so easy for us to forget that the very best way to experience the joy that is christmas is to give, give, give. Way too much focus is put on what we "get. " i'm so glad you were able to experience that, and i hope it's something that you repeat as often as possible in christmasses to come.
PayingForward wrote: twilightgecko, God gave you a beautiful, generous heart. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Isn't it so true that when we do something special for others ... especially those who need it most ... that the true meaning of the season becomes real. I believe that your act of kindness made Jesus smile. :) Thanks for sharing.
AURELIA wrote: Thank you for thinking of others and making their Christmas one to remember. It really sounded very special. :0) ~Aurelia
brighteyes wrote: Good JOb! Thx for sharing & caring and makine a difference! ;)
lOVEBUG wrote: You touched my heart, because I do not participate in what what we recognize as christmas. Your gift can be used every day and not be stored up for one season of the year. God Bless You and all that share your spirit.
JuneBug wrote: Oh my goodness! Your story gave me goosebumps! What a wonderful thing to do! :}
makesomeonesmile wrote: That is awesome, thanks for caring! What a wonderful thing you did!
lmil1954 wrote: You are so blessed!!! Blessed to be a blessing. Thanks for your compassion. You surely make God smile and you have my smiles too. Linda:)

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