As the holiday season approaches, many families find themselves reminded of what they lack while others prepare for festivities filled with gifts and good cheer. A poignant reminder comes from a young boy who wishes for something as simple as snacks to bring to school, so he doesn’t stand out as the only child without food during class.
This emotional story was highlighted through a holiday gift donation initiative run by a nonprofit organization, Things of My Very Own, Inc., located in Schenectady, New York. Their mission focuses on providing crisis support for children who have faced severe abuse or neglect. They also strive to keep families together by offering assistance to those who might be struggling financially, ensuring that children receive the essentials for a healthy life.
For this ten-year-old, his wish list includes a snack to share with classmates and some Pokemon cards—reflecting the typical desires of a child his age. It’s important to recognize that having a snack at school is not merely about hunger; it’s about preventing feelings of shame and isolation. The significance of such a small item is profound.
The organization facilitates a gift tag program wherein local businesses and community members select and purchase the requested items. Wrapped gifts are then returned to Things of My Very Own, Inc. Luckily, the comments accompanying this boy’s tag overflow with generous offers from people eager to fulfill his wishes.
His request is just one of many. Children are asking for everything from Batman toys to clothing, showcasing a range of needs. One particularly touching request came from a six-year-old boy asking for both food and an army figurine. My heart is simply unable to bear it.
An eleven-year-old girl requested blankets and a coat in her favorite color, blue, expressing a need to assert her niceness as if that would justify her request for warmth. This poignant situation is enough to break anyone’s heart. Thankfully, the community is responsive, offering to meet these basic needs.
In addition to these heartbreaking requests, there are still reminders that these children are, at their core, just kids—innocently concerned about sibling squabbles over toys.
Such initiatives are not unique to this organization. Many schools, churches, and workplaces have similar programs, allowing individuals to adopt families or children in need. This is a perfect opportunity to embrace gratitude and generosity, not only for organizations like Things of My Very Own, Inc. but also within our own neighborhoods.
For those capable of helping, consider reaching out to your child’s school to see if teachers require assistance keeping extra snacks available for children who often come to class hungry. You might also inquire about local families needing clothing or food support. This year, I plan to give my children a budget to spend on items for their school’s canned food drive. Small acts of kindness can have a powerful impact.
For the boy who needs snacks, just $5-10 could supply him with food for an entire month. Imagine the boost to his self-esteem and focus on schoolwork if he no longer had to worry about hunger during the day.
In a world often overshadowed by negativity, let’s be the light and show goodwill.
If you’d like to support Things of My Very Own, Inc. directly, donations can be made via their website. Other organizations that assist children during the holiday season include Toys for Tots, Operation Christmas Child, and Make A Wish. If you are interested in improving your chances of conception, check out our post on fertility boosters for men at Make A Mom.
In summary, the holiday season is a time for giving, and many children have heartfelt requests that highlight their basic needs. Organizations like Things of My Very Own, Inc. are crucial in addressing these needs, allowing communities to come together and support children.