Christmas is a time of cheer. It is for most- some not so much. This year we took part in a first annual coat drive. "Kasey's Coats: Sharing Warmth this Christmas Season. " Through social media we spread the word that we were collecting coats that would be distributed to those in need. In all we collected 216 new and used coats in just over 10 days! The large refridgerator box was overflowing as we took the collection to the local food pantry to separate and size the love that others gave. Mittens, hats, scarves, snowpants and blankets were additions to the warm coats. The morning of the distribution several were waiting at the door. Young and old came to claim a new to them coat for the extreme cold of the winter season. One man in particular stood over a Pittsburgh Steelers coat that had been donated. His eyes filled with appreciation and disbelief at his treasure....as he picked up the garment and tried it on. Eyes filled as he realized it FIT! Our eyes filled as well as we realized just how much we take for granted!
The idea for the coat drive came from a conversation with a beloved friend who I've known since birth. My dear friend lost her son, Kasey, in a tragic four wheeler accident 2 years ago. For my friend, even though she has two other children, Christmas is not a time of cheer. It instead is a time of endurance. She endures the holiday season. So this year she honored her son, Kasey, by giving to others in his name. A gift of warmth. The community who donated, the food pantry who hosted, and the recipients who received, all brought Kasey to life. His generous spirit, the kindness of his heart and the warm appreciative smiles of those less fortunate, created an atmosphere of what Christmas is all about. The Christ child came to this world in swaddling clothes. In a manger he was born, to humble parents in a barn. He rose to great influence. Not by a forceful power, but by gentle love and grace.
The Prayer of St Francis:
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
Merry Christmas to All~
What a beautiful thing for them to do... Stories like this break my heart... :( He looks so vital & strong! An angel now looking after his family.... :)
ReplyDeleteCarla, Thanks for your kind words. It has been so difficult for them as a family. Still not sure how one moves forward after such a tragedy-but keeping his memory alive by helping others in need is a terrific start. Blessings~Tammy
ReplyDelete