We did a toy drive through this past November and December and hoped to be able to get the toys to grandparents, single parents and families with parents who may be dealing with an illness and unable to work but had children at home getting bored. We worked to help some elderly ladies pick out toys for the littles in their life which we knew they were nurturing and loving on as well (even if they were not their own children). We wanted to help the older people in the community have these toys to be able to give out to whom they wanted. Jesus kept our hearts tender and we partnered with the elderly in secret to help them get the toys to children they love.

We collected toys from the community and first surprised the adults with an appointment to enter into our room full of all kinds of toys for all ages. With so many kids staying at home more because of virtual classes and holiday closures, we felt it was important to help their parents by helping them to keep their littles active and entertained with some great toys. Most of the toys were educational but there were also sports balls to help keep them happy and active as well as dolls and other comforting toys. Because of increased concerns regarding the virus we had to unfortunately wait to invite our grandparents and parents in to pick out the toys they wanted for their littles until after the new year.

This week we’ve been working hard to connect to families and surprise them with the toys. I know so many of the children will be very excited when their Grammy, mom, dad or elder neighbor friend brings them a wrapped Christmas present in January. We were able to pray with many of the parents and believe the families will know God thought of them and loves them all. We wish we could be even more active with our clients through group classes and activities, but we are working hard to keep things small and by appointment only for the health concerns of many. It’s been a great week for us to get to see more clients face to face even if it’s behind a mask and spread apart. We are trusting God during this season and thankful to have been a part of the project to bring some smiles to the faces of some of the children. We won’t get to see their faces with the toys as much and that’s okay. We wanted the parents to be lifted up and for the children to see their parents and Grammies bringing them items they’ve picked out so it is they who gets the accolades and not Asha’s. Even more, we wanted Jesus to be glorified through it all.

Thank you to everyone who helped with this project. We could not have done it without your participation. It was a success and a humbling experience that we pray one day can involve even more families in need.