Every year around this time I
check in with Tom Johnson, the director of our Residential Treatment Services
and ask the same question: how many residents will be here for Christmas? In
spite of our efforts to increase a greater connection with families, 25 of our
residents were here on Christmas Eve. When you consider how memorable Christmas
Eve is for so many of us as we gather with our families and enjoy the rituals
that mark our commemoration of this holiday, you can’t help but feel
disappointed that these 25 children will have to make do with being away from
their homes and families.
In an effort to never-the-less
make Christmas Eve memorable for those residents at Hillsides, each year the
Hillsides Volunteer Network sponsors and hosts a Christmas Eve party at the
Langham Hotel in Pasadena. One of the original ballrooms is reserved, tables
are wonderfully decorated, a DJ provides music, and a scrumptious meal is
served. There are games for the children, prizes and gifts for all and, of
course, a visit from Santa, who although has a busy schedule, makes time to
stop by. We are so grateful to HVN for making this wonderful event possible,
helping these children to enjoy and celebrate this special evening.
As the celebration was coming
to an end, the DJ offered the microphone to residents who would want to express
their thanks. I will admit that this “open mic” moment always leaves me a
little concerned not knowing what might comes out of the mouths of our
Hillsides residents, but as always what they shared became one of the most
memorable moments of that evening for me and the volunteers.
One girl who has been at
Hillsides a short time summed it all up by saying, “Thank you, Hillsides, for
making sure that we always have a lot of fun!” Isn’t that what it’s all about,
helping these youngsters get beyond the trauma they have experienced to, once
again, enjoy being carefree children.
Although this holiday party is
a long standing celebration at Hillsides, it is a great example of an act of
kindness on the part of an extraordinarily dedicated group of volunteers that
touches the hearts of very vulnerable children.
And while this time of year we
celebrate the beginning of daylight when it slowly increases to break through
the dormancy of winter, brighter days await us. With each act of kindness we
dispel the hardships so many endure and restore a sense of hope. To all those
who generously supported us at Hillsides this holiday season, thank you!
By the way…Look for us in the Tournament of Rose Parade as we hitch a ride on one of two Wells Fargo stagecoaches. Thank
you to Wells Fargo for graciously featuring Hillsides as we kick off our
centennial year celebration.
No comments:
Post a Comment