The true meaning of Christmas is different for everyone. For me it is about the greatest gift the world has ever received - that came as a baby, born in a manger to be the savior of the world. That was giving at its very best. It was unconditional, love filled, life changing giving. Giving BIG to those who need it most - to me that is what Christmas is all about.
Here at Woodstock Market we believe in giving back and this year we are excited to introduce our annual Christmas project - "Be Someone's Santa". Every year we will focus on a local charity to raise awareness of their needs. This year we are partnering with the Department of Children and Family Services to make Christmas a little brighter for foster children by stocking their toy closet which provides birthday gifts throughout the year and presents at Christmas.
According to DFACs, children enter foster care due to neglect, substance abuse by their parents, domestic violence as well as physical and sexual abuse. One of the reasons the number of children in foster care rises significantly during the holiday season is because the parents simply cannot provide for them. What better way to give a child hope than through the simple gift of a toy at Christmas. I believe a difference is made not because of the gift itself but in knowing someone cares for you. What better time to give than now when they need it most.
We are asking for you to join us in giving these children a Christmas worth remembering and this is how you can help. Bring in a toy or warm coat and drop in in a designated barrel. It's that simple. for most of us Christmas holds some very happy memories but unfortunately, for many of these children it doesn't. With your help we can make a difference - through the simple gift of a toy. So this Christmas - Let's Give Big.
We would like to that all of those who gave big to make this project possible. Georgia Foam for helping us stay on budget with their quality foam products; Valspar for their generous paint donation; Mimms Enterprises for giving us a place to build; Artist Shea Vickery for working with us to bring Candy Land to life; and all the "elves" who sanded, painted, sculpted, cleaned, glittered, glued and survived to tell about it: Phil Steiner, Tom Poole, Sarah Waters, Krishna Barrett, Jim and Pat Welty and all of the other wonderful helpers who made this possible.
