When Kohl’s asked About a Mom to partner with them and the United Way to help a needy family for the holidays, I was excited to say yes. After all, what better gift is there than the chance to help someone else this holiday season. What I didn’t realize at that time was the deep emotional impact this opportunity would have on me, and the inspiration it would give me to do more in my community. Like in most towns and cities across the county, there are many families in my community experiencing an economic hardship. Up until a few weeks ago, I didn’t know just how bad the situation is. Thanks to this Kohl’s Giving initiative I am inspired to do more.
Each square in the image above represents a family in need this holiday season. More than 40 families in my very small community is seeking help this year.
To pair us with a family in need, the United Way reached out to Wanda Davis, the Executive Director of Family Connection and Communities in Schools of Glascock County, Inc. Wanda and her staff work very hard, often working on their days off, to make sure the children in our community have a safe place to go after school, and that the needs of food, clothing and much more are met within our community.
The picture above is of me and program director, Wanda Davis, on the day Mom and I dropped off gifts for our family.
The family we were paired with is a single mom of three children ages 3, 7 and 11. The mother is currently attending nursing school and is unable to work due to her class schedule. She has contemplated quitting school and going back to work. However, her family keeps encouraging her to continue her college classes so that she can get a better job and be better able to provide for her family in the future. According to Wanda, the mother was reluctant to ask for assistance because she has always been able to provide for her children. She is very appreciative of the Christmas Assistance that her family will receive this year. It just warms my heart to be able to help a mom who is working so hard to provide a better future for her kids.
My Mom and I set out to Kohl’s armed with a $150 gift card to find Christmas gifts for our family of 4. Since a clothing need had been expressed by the family, we focused on purchasing clothing for the family at Kohl’s and took care of toys for the children on our own. There were so many amazing deals at Kohl’s and we were able to purchase 2 – 3 outfits for each family member, as well as boots for the oldest daughter.
I wasn’t kidding when I said we got a lot of clothes at Kohl’s.
As bloggers, Mom and I are in a unique position to help others. Thanks to Kohl’s this experience has opened our eyes to the need in our community, and has motivated us to use our resources and to reach out to more of brands that we work with in an effort to help our neighbors.
disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. We received a Kohl’s gift card to purchase gifts for a needy family.
Wow, this is so inspiring and absolutely amazing. A Christmas miracle for the mother of 3, thank you so much for sharing!
What a great experience! yay for giving back!
As a person who has had to have help at Christmas just to ensure my kids had a Christmas – and raised my kids without a belief in Santa because I couldn’t afford Santa – I know families do greatly appreciate this kind of help. I wasn’t aware that Kohl’s had a program like this. I will contact my local Khol’s and see if there is anything I can help with in our are.
What an awesome cause you did. Wonderful
Giving back to others is what makes the world go round!
this would have been so wonderful to be part of!! we try to adopt a family every year- even my little brownie troop wanted to adopt a family this year 🙂 i do a lot of my shopping at kohls anyway but with coupons and sales i can stretch those dollars to do so much more for others
I love when big companies like Kohl’s gives back. I think it’s great that you were able to do so much for this family. It’s sad but also great that you can do it.
What an amazing story.
It is great that United Way and Kohls are giving back to make Christmas happen for families in need. It is great some kids will get some clothes and toys this Christmas morning.
This is such a wonderful thing that you did for that Mom and her children! This is what the season is really all about.