Elf Party Stories

By Lindsey Castellanos

I had a bike before. My mom had to sell it

Small acts often produce the biggest results. One smile to someone having a tough day. One gracious act of forgiveness for a small offense. One toy to a child you will never meet. These are the things that seem so insignificant. If our Elf Party, our holiday gift distribution to our clients, demonstrated anything it’s that the small things make the biggest impact

I had the privilege of being present when our children and families received many of the holiday and Christmas gifts donated by the Fort Bend community I wish each of you could have seen and heard them first hand It was amazing! Here are just a couple of the many, many examples of lives changed and hope given when things seemed hopeless.

A teen girl came to pick up gifts with her mother. She had younger siblings and it was pretty clear that she is a big help to her mom. The multipurpose room looked like Santa’s workshop. We were filled to the BRIM with toys. She stood quietly by as we loaded up on dolls, Lego, board games, toys that move and play music Of course, we loaded her up with make-up, journals, a nail kit and other goodies that she didn’t know about yet I felt like there was something more we could for her so I asked if she would like a bike She quickly said “No, no I have enough, and there is all of this,” referencing the packages we were loading into her mom ’ s car I said, “Well, the bikes are here so if you want one, we would love to give you one. ” Her shy smile totally blossomed as she accepted my offer. We chose the perfect one for her, in her favorite color, red. As we were loading it up, she stood next to me and quietly explained. “I had a bike before. My mom had to sell it.” She said it just quiet enough that her mom didn’t hear. I don’t know the circumstances that required her mom to sell her bike All I know is that she got a little bit of restoration and hope she didn’t have before

Another family came to get gift with the most precious boys! The smallest one wasn’t a year yet, but he knew he was in good hands He immediately went to Jen and could not have been happier in her arms His mom said, “He doesn’t go to just anyone, so there is something about you ” Kids are perceptive We got to bless this sweet family with things they specifically asked for: a “Blues Clues” Kitchen, basketballs, Scooters, and a slide. This sweet momma was gushing with appreciation. She said, “On the outside it looks like our life is good, but it’s been a really tough year. My son went through something I could never imagine I feel so bad, but I had no idea ” While her son is crawling all around the car full of joy saying, “Can we play with these things? Are these toys going to be ours?” his mom was standing next to me, tears streaming down her face She said, “He hasn’t smiled like this or sounded like this joyful kid since this situation all started He’s back I couldn’t get gifts like this for them this year You have no idea how happy I am to see my kids like this ”

We don’t always get to see the kids when they get their toys We let the parents keep it a secret if they want We don’t need the recognition or for children to know how this is possible, but these situations give us a glimpse into what some of our families are experiencing What a blessing it is to work and live in a community that cares so much about others. We never know the circumstances that surround our neighbors, even our friends sometimes go through something we would never know.

Our “Elf Party” is an opportunity to bring hope into a hopeless situation, to show kids that no matter what happens, you are still a child and get to enjoy just being a child. It’s a privilege to be the face that brings all of this to life We just could not do it alone Whether you gave one toy, wrote a check, held a donation drive, or adopted a family, we are so thankful for you! You gave kids hope this year and that is a gift that no amount of money can buy