My dear Friends, although the holidays are past, I hope their spirit remain in your hearts. We share this little “revisit” with you so that you will celebrate the giving and receiving that blesses the planet through heartfelt service, and perhaps be inspired to support those bringing Heartfelt to your area. We are grateful to all Heartfelt volunteers who gave their time and selfless service to extend into the community of those less fortunate in 2002.
While we have only selected 3 projects for this review, the complete list of locations for the 2002 Heartfelt Global Christmas/Holiday service projects is:
Fairbanks, AK; Sydney, Australia; Santa Barbara, CA; Santa Monica, CA; Ojai, CA; Pittsburg, CA; District of Columbia; Miami, FL; Chicago, IL; Albuquerque, NM; Chihuahua, Mexico; Mexico City, Mexico; Lagos, Nigeria; Westchester, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Dennis, MA; Dallas, TX.
Details of all projects will be in the March issue of the New Day Herald print newspaper.
California/Santa Monica HQ
We heard of a place called Ujima Village in a low income housing facility in South Central Los Angeles that housed more than 800 children, single mothers, disabled and elderly people. The children had never had a real Christmas party; and the few times the facility had attempted a party, they quickly ran out of toys and food which created even greater sadness for the children.
They contacted Heartfelt and asked if there was any possible way we could come at Christmas and give their children a party. Yes, it was possible and we gave them a party they’ll long remember! On December 21, 150 Heartfelt volunteers from all parts of the city, held a party for the children and every resident of Ujima Village. Every child received 2 toys from Santa, and there were gifts for each of the 500+ parents, grandparents, and seniors as well. The Souplantation donated hot chili for a cold day, Starbucks donated their great coffee, the University of Santa Monica students donated loads of toys, clothes and Polaroid film, the Good Works Foundation helped fund a portion of the project, and private donors made sure there were all the toys and goodies needed to last the entire day–and then some!
The children were delighted by the farm animals, ponies, games, face painting, musical entertainment, Moon Bounce, and tremendous loving extended by our Heartfelt volunteers.
And there were tears streaming down the faces of the senior residents who’d prayed that the Ujima children would have a good Christmas for once. At the end of the day, no one wanted to say goodbye to the beautiful alliances that had formed. There had been so much healing that had occurred through our loving; we were thanked over and over for providing an unforgettable experience. Special thanks to Jodi Improta, Melissa Ward, Beth Hubbard, and all the fantastic volunteers who put on this event.
-Patti Rayner
New South Wales/Australia
Happy New Year to you and everyone helping Heartfelt from all around the world.
Heartfelt volunteers participated in two Aunties and Uncles Picnics and in the Salvation Army’s Carol Night at Wiley Park. Aunties and Uncles is an extended family, non-judgmental friendship and mentoring charity organization helping children from disadvantaged or dysfunctional backgrounds and their families. Children are assigned an “Auntie” or an “Uncle”. These wonderful volunteers spend quality time, support, encouragement and friendship with their child (aged 6 months to early teens). At the end of the year they organize Christmas picnics for these children and their extended families.
Heartfelt volunteers attended two of these picnics. They helped organize the activities of the day, lent a helping hand setting up food, played games with the children, provided music, and even supplied our own Santa. Heartfelt donated game prizes and Christmas gifts as well as some of the games for the day. We had a good turnout of volunteers who enjoyed themselves immensely bringing loving, caring and fun to these children and their families.
Heartfelt was thanked by Aunties and Uncles for our “interest, time, Christmas gifts and loving so generously shared.” They also wrote: “Your enthusiastic presence created a safe place for others to play joyfully in the Spirit of Christmas”.
Heartfelt also attended one of the Salvation Army’s “Carols in the Park”. The event took place at a suburb called Willey Park, which is predominantly Muslim with surrounding Christian populations. Heartfelt donated Christmas presents for the children living there, and we brought peace to an area which is experiencing tension since the events of 11th September.
Personally I have gained great satisfaction seeing volunteers come forward in the spirit of service. Everyone is most welcome.
– Silvia Alicia Labra
Rhode Island/Massachusetts
The New England Heartfelt Holiday Project focused on adopting a family. A request came through the Internet from a Mom in Rhode Island — due to severe financial hardship her 4 children might have to go without any gifts on Christmas. A message went out immediately to family and friends and within a week or so, the total raised was approximately $800.00!
My daughter, Taylor Rose Boone, spearheaded the shopping spree for the children, as well as gift-wrapping. Since the amount of money raised was so grand, we were able to include four members of their extended family and the parents of the children in the gift giving.
During weekly communication with our family’s Mom, she shared with me that the family was running out of heating oil and could not afford a delivery until mid-December. I was able to find a state agency that would intervene and offer an oil delivery immediately. Without Heartfelt’s intervention, the family may have suffered further unnecessarily.
The next process of our project revolved around the Mom’s request that the children maintain their belief in Santa. After many e-mails, we settled on a lovely plan. Heartfelt volunteers would arrive Christmas Eve morning, to be introduced as Santa’s helpers. We would be bringing gifts (only a portion to be given during the party), drinks and snacks to celebrate with the family. Then, we would secretly pass along the rest of the gifts to be placed under the tree for Christmas morning.
Our plan worked perfectly! Volunteers Bryon Boone (in his festive Christmas tree tie & Santa-like boots) and Leslie Fabian (more than willing to wear sparkle reindeer ears that coordinated with mine) spent a warm and magical morning in our family’s home. The joy in the children’s response and belief in Santa’s loving magic was such a gift to us all.
Here is a portion of the message I received from the Mom:
“I wanted to tell you how happy my family was this Christmas!! The children had the BEST Christmas ever, thanks to you, Bryon, and Leslie. I am so grateful for all that you have done. I wish there was a way to show it! Michael is now a true believer in Santa, and I am thrilled
that he is. They loved the presents and the look of surprise on their little faces was truly priceless!”
Heartfelt thanks to all who participated and contributed. Gratitude and thanks also to our family who so lovingly welcomed us into their lives. “God Bless us, everyone.”
-Lisa Boone
