Making Holiday Magic in 2020

Our hearts are full of gratitude for the support and generosity our residents received this holiday season!

“We always rely so much on the community,” says Emily Parrish, Executive Director of the Home. “this year, even more than before.”

For many of our children, this was the first time they awoke on Christmas morning to discover Santa had brought them something.

“This year we had fewer kids on campus, so the gifts were more personalized,” Parrish explains. The residents really felt the gifts were intended especially for them, which made it very special.

“Wrapping paper was flying,” Sharada Abraham, Volunteer Coordinator, recounts. Staff members were grateful for the chance to witness that delight in a child’s eyes when they have received the gift they wanted, but didn’t really believe they’d get.

Care Coordinator Karla Green remembers one particular resident whose excitement brought tears to her eyes. First, the child couldn’t believe she was able to put anything she wanted on her list, and she asked if she might get everything on it. “Anything is possible,” Green told her.

So many experiences were firsts for her, and at every outing, she thanked the organizers for letting her come to their event. After receiving her presents on Christmas Day, she asked if she would be able to take all of them with her when she left the home. Green was happy to reassure her that the gifts really were hers to keep.

“Christmas at the Home is magical. Lots of the kids have never been able to experience this kind of love before,” Green says.

All of our children were able to receive new outfits, shoes, socks, outerwear, pajamas, slippers, stockings stuffed with trinkets, and fulfilled almost all of the kids’ Amazon Wish Lists. They enjoyed wonderful holiday meals, including an amazing Chicken Marsala and Honey Baked Chicken.

In addition to the crafts, games and movies facilitated by the Home’s staff, the children were able to experience some festive holiday outings, thanks to our donors. They visited Top Golf, Nailed It, the Charlotte Motor Speedway Light Show, Laser Tag with Game Truck Charlotte, Adventure Air, a performance of The Real Christmas Story at Narroway Productions, and Strikers Bowling Center.

100% of the Home’s Giving Tree needs were fulfilled, and the campus was fully stocked with cereal, snacks, paper products and juice. As we move into the new year, donations of supplies are always welcomed, paper products in particular. Toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, plates, cups and napkins can be dropped off at the main office.

Thank you to all of those who made the holidays magical for our kids!