There are so many things about my new position as a counselor that I can’t talk about or share due to confidentiality. I have seen and heard the craziest stuff and kept it to myself. This past week was a little different. I had a couple families reach out and ask for help providing gifts for their children for Christmas. With no resources, I had to turn them away and offer phone numbers of places they could call for assistance. Then, out of nowhere, my assistant principal texted me and said she received an anonymous donation of $1,000 that we could use to help these families. We made a plan to buy gifts for all the children on my list.
The day before we went shopping, a young mom came into the front office to withdraw her special needs child from the early childhood program. When asked why she was withdrawing, the mom broke down and told the front office that her family was being evicted from their home on Jan. 1 and would become homeless. The registrar put her in my office and called me to talk to her. It broke my heart to hear this woman’s story. Her husband lost his job due to taking time off to help her with her postpartum depression. They have a 4 year old and a 3 month old. The mom struggled with postpartum depression shortly after having their second baby and was unable to take care of both kids alone while her husband worked. He took too much time off and ended up getting suspended and then fired. They used all of their savings to make ends meet until the money ran out. She said they are actively looking for jobs but haven’t had much luck. I asked her what their plans were for the holidays and she said they told their daughter that sometimes Santa is unable to visit. I thought about the money that was donated and told her that we would get a few items for her children for Christmas. All she asked for was a warm blanket and warm clothes for each. She said they didn’t need toys and they received food stamps so they didn’t need food either. I gave the woman some phone numbers of community resources and walked her back to the office.
Yesterday, we went shopping for the families in need and were able to buy $1,000 worth of clothes, shoes and toys for 9 kids. My mom also bought a few things and dropped them off at my school. Once all the gifts were wrapped, families were called to pick up their items. Most of the families were grateful. The mom that I met the day before was overwhelmed and cried. I had also gotten her a couple job applications for her and her husband. She was very grateful and appreciative. I don’t know what will happen next week when they lose their home. She said they are planning on living in their van until they have enough money saved to pay rent somewhere. I hope something changes soon for them!
I am in awe of the generosity and donations we received to help our families at my school. I am already planning on how to do more next year. I hope everyone has a great Christmas and Happy New Year!