DESERVING FAMILIES
I’m sure you were all as excited as I was for 2020 to come to a close! The year was undeniably challenging for many. It was a time of dramatic transition, heartbreak, loss and the list goes on. But if the year didn’t make you fold, you already overcame so much. Having witnessed so many hardships in my community as well as my own fair share, I was inspired to create positive change. So this past October, with the help of my team, we launched:
The Deserving Families Campaign
It all started with the thought - “Wait, kids are not in school and 'Santa letters' are not going to be written. What can be done to help spread cheer during this challenging year and still put smiles on people’s faces?
By word of mouth, social media, and the local news we put out the word that we were looking to help 3 Chicago families this holiday season. Tons of nominations flowed in, and our original goal of 3 families, was extended to 4. It was hard to chose 3 with so many families in need of support.
After a few conversations with the families to determine their needs, we hit the pavement and went to work picking up gifts, household products and even furniture. Then, my favorite day - this past Thursday, we finally had the opportunity to meet the families in person. It was tough! All we wanted to do was hug one another but obviously couldn’t because of social distancing. At one point though, emotion overtook logic and human connection prevailed. One of the moms surprised me with a giant hug and I couldn’t resist, we embraced.
Each story is so touching.
One of the families lost everything in a house fire, they had no renter’s insurance, everything was gone. They’ve since lived in the basement of a family member. Their spirits still remain high.
One is a single mother whose life has been directly impacted by COVID-19. First her hours and pay were cut, then she lost her father to COVID-19. All she wants is to keep a roof over her children’s heads.
Another is a strong spirited, 100 year old woman! Yes, you read that right. She’s been living in a senior living facility taking care of her 59 year old daughter with disabilities, while at the same time, is losing her home. Even through all of it, her spirit remains bright and positive. By the time we left, our cheeks hurt from the laughter she inspired within us. When I asked her how she keeps going and remains so vibrant, she responded “Baby, I’m doing God’s work and living through him.”
So much can be learned from these families, because even through all of their loss, their hearts remain so full.
In all my years of giving back, I had never seen a group so moved to tears. The families cried tears of joy. I cried tears of joy. My team cried, the news reporter cried, we were all crying! It’s beautiful to see strength and happiness in knowing there are people in the world who care and truly want to help. Kindness still exists, and in that moment it filled us all with a sense of hope, inspiration and a deluge of tears.
View the gallery from the campaign.
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