Seasonal Inspiration

A child says thank you for the opportunity to give

Back in ought six (I couldn’t resist), Emy Johnson was looking for a way to teach the power of generosity to her children, ages five and eight. She and her husband Scott wanted to do something different, something special, to connect their family to others beyond their comfortable suburban neighborhood, and to make service a central part of their family’s holiday celebration.

A call to a local food shelf revealed just such an opportunity: while the organization prepared holiday boxes for client families with gifts for their children, those boxes did not include candy canes or other items that might be included in a stocking (or so I’m told). Opportunity sought, opportunity found.

The Johnsons put out the call to neighbors and friends, asking for wrapped candy and assistance in preparing these special care packages. That first year, people came together in the Johnsons’ garage to prepare 350 stockings for children of families in need. A great (if chilly) time was had by all, and the tradition has grown from there. To date, more than 5000 stockings have been stuffed, more than one thousand in 2011 alone. Donations still come from neighbors and friends, along with generous contributions from companies in support of this growing program. The kids’ school classmates designed the stockings this year, and thank-you notes pour in – not just from recipients, but from young participants grateful for the opportunity to share in giving. A program that brings moments of pleasure to children in need, also creates a lasting impression on all who come together to bring it about, children and adults alike.

A vision of generosity and sharing, a growing network of friends, a little persuasion, and a whole lot of execution. 5000 delighted children (and counting), plus practical lessons that will last a lifetime. What can we learn from an example like that as we embark on a brand new year?