Sharing with Others at Christmas: No Greater Lesson

            Teaching kids and teens the value of sharing and giving to others who are less fortunate can be difficult when most of us spend December racing around buying gifts and making holiday plans. To help the youth in your life learn the meaning of the season and make the connection between gifts and giving, consider participating in this year’s Season of Sharing (S.O.S.) program through Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri.

            What better way is there to experience the true meaning of Christmas than to give to families in our area who need some help? There’s an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of local family members by giving toys, clothes and household items through the S.O.S. program. 

            “We have worked with schools, churches, companies, families and other groups,” said Mollie Robinson, Season of Sharing Coordinator with LFCS. “We match groups with a family that truly needs assistance, and we provide a list of items the family needs and wants.”

            Geared toward LFCS clients with an active case within the past three years, the S.O.S. program brings joy and hope by making a difference during the holidays in the lives of families struggling to survive. Recipients include folks from all walks of life, including single parents, married couples, expectant moms, families dealing with serious illness, and senior citizens. Gifts can include non-perishable food, clothing and household items, gift certificates for food or department stores, etc.   

            LFCS is a non-profit, statewide social service organization providing counseling, adoption, crisis pregnancy assistance, day care and mentoring services to the community. Although Lutheran based, more than 80 percent of families served are non-Lutheran.

             On this year’s list of S.O.S. recipients is Martha. Martha is a grandmother struggling to  raise three grandchildren and her eldest son, who is severely mentally handicapped. Her daughter was murdered several years ago and she has been raising the grandchildren ever since. She recently returned to work after being out for health reasons and is managing to keep the children in school. She is struggling to make ends meet with basic household bills, food, clothing and utilities. The family is in need of assistance and some Christmas cheer. Martha does not lack the love or wisdom to provide, but only the financial means to do so.

            Another family hoping to receive help this Christmas includes Tiffany and her three children. Tiffany is a single mom and has been homeless for almost a year. The family has been staying with friends and relatives, but Tiffany strives to provide a stable, secure environment for her three young boys.  While Tiffany is currently employed, it is difficult to save enough money for a security deposit and furnishings for a new home or apartment. She works hard to raise her sons and emphasizes the importance of education. This family is need of a home to call their own and Tiffany dreams of a happy Christmas for her kids. They could use winter clothing, shoes, gas cards for transportation, food assistance and educational toys for the boys.

            This program was created to help people like the Amy, Tom, Matt and Claire and has been in existence for more than 30 years. 

            Interested groups can contact Mollie Robinson at (314) 787-5100. Donors will be matched with a family and will receive a list of items the family needs/wants.

            For those who would prefer to donate time, LFCS welcomes volunteers to help with Season of Sharing during the week after Thanksgiving until the second week of January. Volunteers are needed to update computer information, pick up designated items from donors, assist with loading/unloading, and process thank you letters to donors and volunteers.

            A high school junior from St. Charles participated in the S.O.S. program last year with her school group. She said, “In a world that says Christmas is all about getting, it's important to share the true spirit of Christmas through giving to others. Christmas isn't about us or how many gifts we receive – it's about Christ and being Christ to someone else, in whatever small way we can."

            It’s not too early to start thinking about your Christmas plans. Maybe this year you, too, can sponsor a family in need.

*Names have been changed to protect client confidentiality.