Feeding Those In Need on Christmas Eve
Have you ever wanted to do something, but for whatever reason – never did? Maybe it was play a particular sport, get a specific job, or just simply help someone else out? I know… for whatever reason, “life” gets in the way. Today, I am determined to not let life get in my way. I have always wanted to get involved in helping my community, especially children, and do something to give back. I’ve never had a specific passion, but I just wanted to help in someway. Here’s how it all started:
Around this time last year, I decided to make some phone calls so I could volunteer my time on Christmas Eve to help serve meals to the less fortunate. Much to my surprise (and I suspect yours too), phone call after phone call, I found out that there were not any organizations (in our area) serving a Christmas Eve meal to those who would otherwise not have one.
Every day, my company Fine Lions works with clients who are fortunate enough to enjoy home-ownership. Many others are not as fortunate. Many families are homeless… many single moms are homeless… many children are homeless. Yes, right here in our community! So here’s my idea…I want to help people who are less fortunate and who are in need.
This year, I started spreading the word that I wanted to coordinate an event where a meal (and perhaps some entertainment and gifts) would be offered to people less fortunate than me and my family. Still not sure what direction to go, I was talking to a friend of mine who put me in touch with Deborah Morgan (she is the hard-working Executive Director for Palm Beach Harvest, a 5013C non-profit charity here in Palm Beach County). Here’s the story she told me at our first meeting:
“I was visiting a local school to gather information about the hunger issue in Palm Beach County.” (Can you even believe that hunger is an issue in such an affluent area?!) “During this interview, I asked a little boy what he had for breakfast that morning and he seemed hesitant to answer… like he might get in trouble. After some prodding, the little boy finally told me that he did not have breakfast that morning. I asked him why not and he replied “it was not my turn to eat.”
I get chills thinking about the existence of this situation, and I knew when I heard this story that I wanted to help.
Consequently, I have founded F.I.N. – Families In Need – and together with Palm Beach Harvest, we are organizing our first Christmas Eve meal to feed hungry families. This event will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Salvation Army and includes a full holiday meal along with entertainment and festivities.
“Great” you say, “what does that have to do with me?” As you know, I am not usually one to ask for help. But today, I am asking. To make this event successful, I need your support. I cannot do it alone. I need help with planning, implementing and organizing, as well as financial contributions. If you’re not up for hands-on pitching in, please consider what you are able to provide.
Really, no amount is too little. If you can spare even just $1.00, then that buys a gift from the dollar store for a child who may not get anything else for the holidays. If you can spare $100.00, then that will buy food for several families who may not otherwise have anything to eat that day! Put it this way: If everyone I know donates $2.00, we will have plenty of funds to make this a successful and memorable event!
This celebration will be put together completely by a volunteer effort, so every single penny donated will go to the food and festivities. Oh, and just so you know, your donation is completely tax deductible.
I am truly thrilled to be leading this effort to help feed hungry families at what is supposed to be an especially joyous time of the year! I hope my enthusiasm is infectious and you will want to help too. If you do, please send your donations to Palm Beach Harvest c/o Fine Lions, 6742 Forest Hill Blvd. #119, West Palm Beach, Florida 33413 – or call me at 561.253.4814 and let’s figure out how you can get involved.
I don’t usually ask for help – it is hard for me. But this time it’s easy. This time, I’m asking for you to help me… help others. It’s the right thing to do!
Christine Smith
Fine Lions, Inc.
6742 Forest Hill Boulevard, #119
West Palm Beach, FL 33413
Phone: 561.253.4814
Fax: 561.784.0979
email: c.smith@finelions.com
www.finelions.com