After surviving the last two tumultuous holiday seasons, I really wanted to do something different this year to commemorate the turnaround and share my sense of peace with others this year. It seemed especially right given that so many are still struggling from the economic meltdown and mass layoffs of the last year. So this holiday season, I was part of a group of women who adopted a family in need through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities.  

Our selected family was comprised of six children, a single mom and a grandfather. We divvied up the list of each family members’ wants and needs, and I’m elated to report we were able to fulfill their every Christmas wish and then some. Toys, clothing, blankets were just the beginning. The generosity of the group resulted in hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards to Cub Foods so the family can enjoy a hearty holiday meal—and likely many meals beyond that.

Last Sunday, the group met at The Local in Minneapolis to wrap all the gifts and then five of us (myself included) proceeded from there to the family’s home for delivery. Donning Santa hats and barely able to make it up the apartment stairs with all of the bags, we were greeted by the sobbing mother who was so overwhelmed with tears and gratitude she could hardly speak.  By the time we left, it was us ladies who were too choked up for words.

This is an experience I’ll never forget and I plan to continue this tradition of giving to those in need every year from now on. I hope everyone is giving what they can this year and that all of the families in need have a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season.

-Steph Haugan

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