Holidays can be tough for families of seriously ill children. Strapped with medical bills, they often can’t afford luxuries like Christmas gifts. That’s why thousands of kids with cancer and other diseases wouldn't have much of a Christmas without the help of strangers. But thanks to the HUGS and HOPE Foundation and their Holiday Elf Project, Santa will have a lot of help this year. The Elf Project, which is in its seventh year, is a big hit for families that might otherwise have no gifts under the tree on Christmas morning.
Though Santa may not exist, his spirit lives in the HUGS and HOPE Foundation for Sick Children. Each December, the organization matches up "Santa’s helpers" with sick kids who are in financial need. The volunteer elves are making a difference for children who have never even met them. Strangers are reaching out to make Christmas merrier for critically ill kids, and your family can join in the fun -- and experience the blessings!
You too can be among those making the holidays merrier. As a volunteer elf, your own Christmas will be more meaningful as you help others. Adopting a sick child for Christmas is the perfect family project, because volunteering draws families closer. It's also the perfect opportunity to teach your children about compassion and generosity.
This is a project that fits into busy families' schedules and appeals to every member of the family. Even the youngest child can decorate cards, teens can help shop for gifts, and grandmothers can do the wrapping! Working together on something so worthwhile teaches children empathy for those who are less fortunate and encourages families to focus on giving rather than receiving.
Hugs and Hope Club founder, Marsha Jordan, is a disabled grandma who believes "Christmas morning should be fun and happy, even if your family has fallen on rough times financially."
Janice Wilder is a "hug giver and hope builder," as the volunteers call themselves. She encourages families to volunteer. " It's wonderful to know you've put a smile on the face of a sick child and you can't help but get back some of the joy that you give."
Yes, Santa's spirit DOES exist -- it lives in the hearts of Hugs and Hope volunteers!
Experience for yourself the satisfaction of creating some Christmas joy for a suffering child. The group is always looking for more volunteer elves to help provide smiles for kids who often have little to smile about. Visit the Hugs and Hope web site at http://www.hugsandhope.org to read about the children featured there. Then volunteer to sponsor a child for the holidays.
After all, putting smiles on the faces of children is what Christmas is all about. Get into the real spirit of Christmas and give a child -- as well as yourself -- a reason to smile this holiday season.
