Kids Make Heartbreaking Requests Through Holiday Gift Tag Program
These kids are asking for heartbreakingly simple things
The holiday shopping season has officially begun, and while we hustle to fulfill our kids’ wish lists, other children won’t be nearly as fortunate. For some families, Santa is simply not part of the equation because of difficult life circumstances, and beyond Santa gifts, there are actual needs that require attention.
That’s where Things of My Very Own, Inc. steps in.
This incredible non-profit based in Schenectady, New York operates year-round, not just during the holidays. Their mission, according to their Facebook page, is “providing crisis intervention services to children impacted by extensive abuse and/or neglect.” Another service they offer is to help keep families together and children out of the foster care system when the only issue at play is a lack of funds to purchase the things a child needs to live a healthy life.
As the holiday gift-giving season approaches, the non-profit also shares gift tags filled out by kids — and their wishes are enough to break your heart.
“My dad left need job to support my mom,” reads a tag from a 16-year-old boy. He needs clothes for his future job and wants Nike sneakers.
Image via Things of My Very Own, Inc.
Children share their hearts along with their wants and needs — like this 11-year-old boy who says his mental health issues mean he doesn’t have friends. He wants Nerf guns, but needs socks and underwear.
Image via Things of My Very Own, Inc.
This family lost a child in a fire and their 13-year-old daughter is in need of boots. I live in Upstate NY too and the thought of a child not having winter boots in our awful winters makes my heart sink. No child should want for these necessities, but no child should have to abandon the excitement of fun presents at Christmas either, and that’s why Things of My Very Own is such a worthy cause — they recognize both wants and needs.
Image via Things of My Very Own, Inc.
The stories of how these families came to ask for help are enough to wreck anyone. Hard-working parents trying to give their children a good life.
Image via Things of My Very Own, Inc.
From illness to job loss, the “notes” tell the stories of a family’s pain — and their hope for the future.
Image via Things of My Very Own, Inc.
Whatever struggles brought them to Things of My Very Own, the common thread is every parent wanting to protect and care for their child — while hoping for a little holiday magic too.
Image via Things of My Very Own, Inc.
Because we all get just one childhood — and no matter what curveballs life can throw, every single child deserves a worry-free gift or two along with having their direct needs met.
Image via Things of My Very Own, Inc.
This organization certainly isn’t unique when it comes to the gift tag project — schools, churches, or even your place of employment probably has a similar program for “adopting a family” or an individual child, like Things of My Very Own, Inc. allows. We can use this time of being grateful and thinking generously to address needs, not just for this wonderful non-profit, but in our own communities too.
If you’d like to donate to Things of My Very Own, Inc. directly, you can do so on their website. Other organizations helping kids in need during the holidays include Toys for Tots, Operation Christmas Child, and Make A Wish.
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