It is nearly Christmastime, and the ten o'clock news comes on the television. The news reporter says what a joyous Christmas it will be for a local family. They will be warm tonight.
The news story begins: A five year girl had an assignment to write what she wanted for Christmas. Her list included just three items--a ball, a blanket and food. When the girl's teacher read her request list, she was moved to act. The teacher organized a blanket drive to collect blankets for this girl and for the other children in her school who were in the same financial situation. The school collected around 50 blankets and distributed them to area children. They were not expensive, fancy blankets. Rather, they were small, cheap fleece blankets mostly likely purchase for around $5 from a discount store.
The news reporter visits the five year old girl's home. She lives in a run-down trailer. Inside, the tiny shack is desolate. Not a single toy can be seen anywhere. The five year old, her seven year old sister and her mother sit on a thread-bare dilapidated couch. The reporter interviews the girl's mother. The mother is wearing a faded old sweatshirt with frayed cuffs and neckline; she appears to be quite cold. She says, "I am so grateful for these blankets." (Camera pans to the two girls each shivering beneath their own small fleece blanket.) "We only have one blanket we all share at night." (Camera pans to a ragged old mattress lying on the ground a few feet from the couch. One twin sized thin blanket neatly covers the mattress.) "We only have one small space heater which never gets warm enough to heat the house." (Camera pans to a tiny old beat-up space heater chugging away trying to emit heat. I cannot help but notice that despite conducting the interview inside the woman's home, the news reporter is wearing a long, thick wool jacket and leather gloves.)
The mother continues, "These blankets are perfect. My girls can use them at night to keep warm. They can also use them in the morning as they wait for the school bus outside in the cold. The girls do not have jackets." Tears of gratitude well up in the mother's eyes as she thanks the community for their generosity. She is overjoyed her family has been so blessed. The story ends.
As I sit reflecting on this story, tears stream down my own face. I wonder, "What about the other items on the girl's list? Who asks for food for Christmas? Who asks for a blanket? Who asks for a single ball?" I know this child must be truly hungry and cold to ask for these items. From the lack of toys in her home, she also must desire a ball to entertain herself and/or to play with her sister.
I reflect back to the children at the Boys' and Girls' Club in Chicago. Each of these children received hundreds of dollars worth of gifts, and luxuriant gifts for their mothers. This little girl and her sister received $5 blankets. The mother was given nothing. This five year old desires just the basic necessities of life--food, clothing and simple amusement. My heart weeps as I think about the great disparity in the USA. One "poor" child asks for the latest and greatest video gaming system. Another destitue child just wants a full tummy.
Not knowing what else to do, I take the money I received for Christmas and give it to my local food pantry. I may not be able to help this child in particular, but perhaps I might be able to help another child, another family have food for Christmas and in the year to come. Praying this child and all those in similar situations are warm and fall asleep with full stomachs tonight. Amen.
(Link to Part One click here)
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