Each year, we collect Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas gifts for families in need. We are grateful to be able to touch the hearts of so many families across the state of Maryland through this effort. Following is a story of how holiday giving impacted one family.
The Fulton family enjoys sitting around their Christmas tree, singing Silent Night on Christmas morning. A few days before, Debbie Marini, BFC Executive Director, paid a special visit to Ms. Fulton’s home, carrying donated gifts for her grandchildren. Ms. Fulton informed us in advance about her grandchildren and their special interests. So, the gifts were geared to each one, including soccer-themed merchandise, art supplies, bedroom décor and fluffy pillows and goodies for the cat lover.
“I am so grateful to have Building Families for Children in my life,” Mrs. Fulton told Debbie as she arrived. As she spoke, she had an overwhelming feeling of appreciation rush through her and she found herself getting emotional. She remembers Debbie reaching out and embracing her in a hug and letting her know that she felt blessed to be able to help her family. Ms. Fulton said, “I told Debbie that she was welcome back to our home anytime.”
On Christmas morning, after the traditional caroling of Silent Night came to an end and it was time for the children to open their presents, each child ran over to the tree, picked up their present and tore off the decorative paper. Things were weighing heavily on Ms. Fulton’s mind. She took the time to gather her thoughts. And when she looked up, all she could see were the smiles on each of her grandchildren’s faces. At this moment, she felt as though everything would be ok.
“With the support of Building Families for Children, I knew God had blessed us with something better than gifts.” It was happiness for the entire family. “They unwrapped love,” Debbie added.
We hope you will join us this year in collecting and blessing families. Find out how below.