Of Trees and Tamales!

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    This was not our tree..but close.

    Christmas has so many memories for so many of us. Things like food, family, more food, and sometimes more family, the exciting expectation of a long road trip to the grandparent’s house. Going and picking out a tree, then coming home to drink hot chocolate while we decorated it. For any kid, the best part was waking up on Christmas morning, rushing to the tree and finding a large stash of presents waiting just for you. It makes for the fondest of memories.

    That is, unless you don’t have a Christmas tree, or presents, or even a family to celebrate with. This is so often the case for so many living in Santa Ana. I for one can’t imagine being homeless, especially at Christmas. You wake up in the shelter, no presents waiting for you, no family to greet you. Some nice, well off, families come to serve you a Christmas dinner, it is a nice gesture, but you will never see them again. Somewhere in the world you may have relatives, but you can’t even call them. Tough life, huh?

     

    What if you are a little girl with no tree or no nice presents? Your family can hardly even afford the new shoes you need?  So it was with one of our regular families at Laundry Love. Anyone who volunteers will know this family and ever body loves the little girl to pieces.

    Fortunately, we had a group come and decorate two artificial trees to give away. Complete with lights, ornaments, and those fancy Christmas balls as well. The little girl thought they were beautiful. We asked her dad if they had a tree, and he responded that they did not. So we gave one to them.

    The little girl was walking towards the tree and I asked her if she liked it. She said she did. I then told her we were giving her one. She stopped a second, stared at the tree, and with wide eyes said, “it’s a Christmas dream come true!”

    So there you have it. Somebodies Christmas got better.  When you can’t afford laundry, you certainly can’t afford trees, or gifts or any of the other luxuries we are blessed with.  Will a tree change their lives? No. Will it provide work and rent? No. But was a connection made? Was community built and was loved shared? Absolutely.   Do they know they have friends who care about them now? Most definitely.

    So to all those who have supported Laundry Love and volunteered faithfully over the months and years, we thank you and share this story to let you know your labors aren’t in vain.  Thanks for dedicating so much time to us and the community of Santa Ana. Thanks so much for helping us with the Christmas party. I think it is safe to say it was a hit. Oh, btw, the tamales were authentic, handmade ones and the money we used to buy them went to support another family in need.  And while now it is a new year, some things will never get old. We hope you have a happy new year and we look forward to another great 12 of Laundry Love with you!

     



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    January 10th, 2012 | jjordan | No Comments | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

About The Author

Jeff Jordan

I am a writer, blogger and general creative force. I’m part humorist, satirist and pop culture/movie reviewer but all nerd. I dabble in short stories and love comics, science fiction and fantasy. Additionally I enjoy writing for and promoting nonprofit groups. I am also the self proclaimed Czar of New Prussia, but only in my own mind.

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