Many little things thrown together made an impact on a lot of people in Faribault with help from many Angels.
Many times this year when one person or organization asking for some clothing or food for someone in need I send out a plea on a large email list. The Faribault Daily News, KDHL radio and many Church's then put out the plea either in a story or an announcement about these needs. The residents of this community comes to the aid in a big way and while helping one person or family we are able to help many more in need.
All of you on my email list have been so generous and supportive to the needs of others by giving, supporting, understanding, showing hospitality and learning about the newcomers. You are also showing the young people of this community the act of giving. Children brought in by their parents bringing in warm clothes or food to the Faribault Print Shop or Welcome Center come in bearing big smiles. This act of giving is warming the givers as much as the ones getting the clothes.
There has been a few surprises after sending out the email last week about the Foldcraft matching grant and needing more clothes. A few Angels have brought in money and checks so their gift will be doubled. Members of the Sunrise Exchange Club that I belong to have been bringing many clothes, Girl Scout Troop# 22222 brought in a bag of clothes with a signed poster, many people brought in brand new clothes with the tags still on. Others asking what they can give or volunteer to do at the Welcome Center. It goes on and on.
There are so many people to thank and it's getting more each year. The grant from BlueCross/BlueShield Foundation of MN., Foldcraft, the City of Faribault for providing the building for the Welcome Center. The positive news from the Faribault Daily News, Gordy Kosfeld from KDHL, the many Church's for services, announcements and land for Community Gardens, Buckham Library for use of their facilities, Julie Fox for video, South Central College for their facility, 1st United Bank for helping with the clothing drive, and especially to the hundreds of people donating clothes, food and money for those in need, Thank you also to Hashie Geedi, part-time Center staff and coordinator of the Somali Immigrant Resettlement office and the many volunteers at the Welcome Center, The Turkey Store, Vicky Carrillo again for leading the International Market, and the wonderful F.D.C. Board of Directors. I am also thankful to Divine Mercy and Oblates of St. John's Abbey for spiritual support when I need a little lift ;) and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to be part of and president of the Faribault Diversity Coalition the past 9 years. I'm sorry for anyone I've missed.
This message could be written any time of the year, it's not just the Spirit of Christmas that this happens it's the Spirit of this community that shines all year. Like I said this city is full of Angels with big hearts.
May you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Milo
No comments:
Post a Comment