We Need Your Presence
When I think back to the Christmases of my childhood, one event stands out in my mind, and if I close my eyes, I can be transported back there. Every year, my grandmother hosted Christmas Eve dinner at her home. Of course, there was food and lots of it, but the thing I remember most was my grandmother's presence.
Aunts, uncles, and cousins from near and far would fill her house on Coffee Road. She was about five feet tall and round in the middle. Her hugs were soft and full of love—oh how I miss that! She may have been the shortest person in the room and not easy to see, but her voice always carried over the crowd's noise.
As a child, I attended the annual gathering with great expectations of a present from grandma with my name on it. However, when I got older and moved away, I would make the long drive from Washington D.C. to that white house on Coffee Road to be in the presence of my family, especially my grandma.
My grandma passed away in 1995, so it’s been a long time since I’ve experienced one of her soft hugs. Over the years, family members have remarked on how much I resemble her, but my greatest hope is to live in a way that reflects the impact her presence had on my life. Serving children and families at Collins Home Family Ministries is not always easy, but the joy of witnessing how our presence can make a difference in the lives of others makes it all worthwhile.
Our kids do not need a variety of gifts under the tree with their name on it (although that is nice). They need someone who knows them by name and who shows up for them. Those who show up make an impact that will last much longer than any gift from the store.
Supporting children comes with a significant cost, but the cost of failing them is far greater. However, making a meaningful impact in our community may be more affordable than you realize.
A monthly gift of $50 provides a week's worth of nutritious meals. A one-time contribution of $250 supplies seasonal clothing for a growing child. And a yearly donation of $3,000 ensures that we have the resources to support everyone in our care, every day.
Your prayers, volunteer work, and financial contributions enable us to offer shelter, support, and stability to children, young adults, and families in our community. Remember, the most important thing you can do is to show up and be present in the lives of those who need you!
May God use YOU to be a blessing to others during Christmas!
-Kelly Ross