New Traditions: Volunteering

A few months ago my family started talking about the holidays. We have a list for both our extended and immediate families and we typically choose names in September to give everyone a few months for gift shopping. This year my immediate family decided that we would forgo our usual gift exchange and instead, look for an opportunity to donate our time by volunteering together. My mom contacted the lady from our church in charge of the Angel Tree gift program and expressed our interest. This morning we met up at the distribution warehouse to help. It was 45 degrees outside and colder than that in the warehouse! Benjamin was probably the warmest of us all in his (adorable!) lumberjack footie sleeper and fleece Sherpa jacket snug inside his Moby wrap. He slept for most of the two hours there and pretty much stayed that way even when I took him out to feed him and take a family photo at the end. The organizers had the entire process down to a smooth science. We divided into groups greeting people, pulling gifts, and delivering. For many of the families we saw, these are the only gifts their children will receive this Christmas and they were so grateful. It really puts things into perspective, doesn't it? I felt so blessed to be a part of this and even more so to be able to share this experience with my family. ♥