Sharing Christmas Program Preventing Homelessness

The holidays are ahead! For many of us that means joyous thoughts of family gatherings and delicious food. It also means the creation of lists of gifts to buy - as well as receive. Children and adults alike are wowed by the glitzy advertising, and even strangers ask children "What are you asking Santa for this year?"

Now try and imagine a year without a single gift, Christmas cookie, or Christmas tree, and overwhelming feelings of worry and despair. This is the reality for many of our families. This time of year is punctuated with additional financial and emotional stress. Want to add true Joy to your Christmas? With a little thought you can find a way to make Christmas a time to think about community and to nurture a giving spirit.

In it's 13th year, the 2012 Sharing Christmas program will serve over 400 families in need. Donors (individuals, families, and groups) receive a wish list from a client family who has registered and been screened by MOM. Donors purchase gifts for the family, spend $50 per family member, and then either deliver the gifts directly to the family, or bring them to MOM for the family to pick-up.

Want to learn more?  Read our FAQ about the program.

Ready to Register as a Donor? Click here to Register online. Financial Donations are also needed.

Need Assistance this Holiday? Find out more about getting help.

If you have further questions, please contact our volunteer Sharing Christmas Coordinator at 608-826-3415.

 

Thank-you, from a Sharing Christmas Client

"My family received gifts from Mom's Sharing Christmas Program this past year. I have never asked for help before, (I have held the same full-time job for over 3 1/2 years). My hours had been cut for over 3 months, due to lack of work at my company.

I was trying to figure out how to buy "any" gifts for my two children this year. I received a letter from MOM asking if we wanted to receive gifts at the holidays, and we graciously accepted.

The family that was matched with us came to our home to deliver our gifts. My high school aged daughter made some hot chocolate for our guests. The donors were so kind and filled with compassion.

They didn't only give us physical gifts.  They also gave us the gift of their time (registering, shopping for the perfect gifts and then wrapping them, and delivering the gifts.)  Most importantly, the time they took visiting us and bring with them 'Tidings of Great Joy'.

One of my work friends ask me what I like best about the holiday.  My answer?  "My hot chocolate friends" was my answer. They are the kind of people that inspire hope in my soul. I will be forever grateful. I hope to be able to 'Pay It Forward', someday."

- Suzie

 

Thank-you, from a Sharing Christmas Donor

"My husband and I had the honor of being apart of Suzie and family's Christmas last year.  The humble gifts we gave Suzie and her family were pale compared to the gift we received from them. They invited us into their home and graciously entertained us with holiday refreshments.  Her son and daughter told us about themselves and their aspirations for the future.  Suzie shared with her story and what she wanted her children take away from the experience.  Suzie is a wonderful mother and person because she gave us all the true meaning of Christmas.

Thank you for this wonderful program."

- Sharing Christmas Donor