NOT FOUND: joy of giving1.jpgNew Year’s resolutions aren’t always so much as ‘new’, but can come as the result of doing good things in the preceding year. As we look forward to many fresh beginnings, resolutions and hopes for the year 2010, December 19th 2009 was a day the North Sacramento News hopes to repeat. It was a day of happiness and generosity for 13 families in our area who needed a helping hand.

The idea to “Adopt Families” for Christmas was not as much novel as genuine – with a sincere desire to connect those who were willing to give with those willing to receive.

It began with a simple article on the front page of our December issue. It was followed by a great response from our readers and local businesses like Wal-Mart. A phone call from one of the donating members asking to meet the family they were giving to prompted arrangements for an early dinner for all involved.

Filled with the laughter of mothers, the smiles of fathers, and the chocolate milk mustaches of toddlers, everyone was in good spirits when the KCRA 3 news crew arrived. Some kids even mugged for the camera. The story airing that evening on the late newscasts meant the message reached many more than were there at those Hometown Buffet dinner tables. But even without the added coverage, it would have been well worth it to see the joy brought to those who were giving and those who were given to.

NOT FOUND: joy of giving2.jpgRay Ruiz, manager of the Hometown Buffet was beaming with joy as the kids and the parents ripped through gift bags and wrapping paper. He says he wants to get more involved in the community.

“When you see all those beautiful smiles…those kids; yes it’s a big thing.”

“I feel so good – this is what it is all about. I just want to jump out of my skin I am so happy for everyone. Isn’t this great!!??” exclaimed Emily Briggs, who heads up advertising for the paper…and handing out presents.

While the newspaper facilitated the connection, it was the individuals who maintained that quickly established relationship – newfound friends extended their giving by meeting up after the meet up at Hometown with lunches and Christmas celebrations of their own the following week.

“They are coming up with their own ideas of how to give of themselves, whether dinner or gift cards. It’s just amazing.”

No doubt it helped remind children and parents that 2010 can be looked forward to as a year full of promise.

So, while shopping, baking and 8 tiny reindeer will seem so far away in no time, the sentiment shared on the week before Christmas in North Highlands will be something to remember and relive over and over. Not just on Christmas, but every day.

That’s a good resolution to make anew.

Here are some excerpts from personal letters sent to the NSN from those who participated in this year’s Adopt-A-Family gift exchange:

NOT FOUND: joy of giving3.jpgThank you for allowing us to participate in your inaugural Christmas event of sponsoring families for the holidays. What a joy it was for us to be a part of this endeavor. We believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive. We wanted to do something for someone who would benefit from our donation, and you gave us that opportunity. What a pleasure it was for us to meet the Lee family. You could feel the love and respect the children had for their father and for each other. They were beautiful children and so well behaved. The father must be very proud of them. I think it was more of a gift for us than it was for them. We enjoyed meeting the family and wish them a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. With gratitude, – JoAnn and Chuck Rice

My mom and I first heard about the adopt a family program when it was advertised in the local North Sac Newspaper. My mom got inspired to help a family when she realized she was able to help single moms in need. My grandmother passed away in August of this year, and she left a legacy that my mom and dad would like to carry out. My mom decided to adopt two families so that she could help a total of 3 children, just the amount of kids my grandmother struggled with.

When we first met the families, there was just instant joy in both of our hearts. We are such a blessed family, and we would like to bless families that are trying to do right. Both of the moms and the kids were so grateful, and we couldn’t ask anything more of them, but to be just that. This is definitely something that will be a tradition to our family because it warmed our hearts to see the joy on the faces of not only the parents, but the children we were able to bless. – Aubrey & Cherita Gaskin

NOT FOUND: joy of giving4.jpgI am so amazed about the North Sac News event that my family and I attend today. My children and I are so thankful. They could not stop talking about the gifts they received. I personally want to say thank you to Pastor Bill Krause of Family Community Church and to the North Sac News for putting all this together this was a true blessing, especially considering the hardship I have been going through. I was so happy to see my children get what they wanted for Christmas. I was blessed also to receive a winter coat. I really needed one.

My 5 year old son Angelo said, he is so thankful for our family going to Hometown and the gifts he received, he said, he is happy and proud because he really wanted and needed the construction set.

My 10 year old son Martell said he always wanted a basketball set to practice. It is one of his favorite sports. Now he has something fun to do without going far from home.

My 2 year old girl, Jaslene said “open it now mom, I want to color”. She is very excited about her gifts.

Thank you again for making our Christmas special.
Sincerely,
Fabiola Figueroa