2007 Holiday Contributions

Every holiday season, we reflect with our boys on how fortunate we are. We celebrate our good fortune by sharing with those who are less fortunate, and show our children that there is more joy to be had in giving than in receiving. The generosity in our children's hearts never ceases to amaze me. Each year, we take the opportunity to help families in need in our own community, and encourage the kids' involvement. With this generous gift from Tom & Mary, we were able to give even more than we have in the past, and the experience for our children was tenfold.

1) The boys' elementary school has a "mitten tree". Each mitten has a wish from a family in need in our school community. We typically select several mittens, and fulfill the wishes of the families. This year, won't those families be surprised when they are presented with TWICE as much as they requested!!??

2) A cause that is near & dear to us is the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network. Every December, they run a fundraising drive that we routinely contribute to- we were able to enhance our donation this year, hopefully helping to lead to a cure, or at least helping to fund research that will give Ryan & other children with severe food allergies a better quality of life in the coming years.

3) Last, but certainly not least, a former second grader at our elementary school- named Gavin. Gavin was diagnosed with leukemia three years ago. He was in remission, but sadly, his cancer returned over the last year. His family was renting a home in our neighborhood. They were forced out by a builder who wanted to tear down the house & rebuild. They were unable to purchase the home outright due to their high medical expenses. They were forced out of their home by the builder, and had to leave all of Gavin's friends and temporarily move out of the district, because they could not afford any of the homes available in our school district. His family is desperately trying to move Gavin back into our school district. They have other children as well, and it will be a sparse Christmas. We are donating the remaining money to Gavin's family. As Colin so brilliantly put it, "They should really make cancer less expensive. Nobody wants it anyway!"

A couple other fun projects we did to help those in need: we made blankets for the dogs & cats at the local animal shelter, donated toys & clothes, made Holiday Cards for the elderly that are alone over the holidays, and Patrick's class sang Carols at a local nursing home.

Merry Christmas to all, and let us never forget how much we have - in money, and in being surrounded by a loving family that I am so fortunate to be a part of. Sorry we won't be with you for the holidays, but you can be sure we'll be thinking of you!

Much love,
Marjie, Sean, Colin, Ryan, and Patrick