Weekend Wrap-Up

This weekend a few wonderful girlfriends of mine and I volunteered some time at Coats for Kids. Basically, this charity collects gently used and new coats for children and then has a big distribution day where those in hard times can pick up new coats for their kiddos. This was my first time working this event, and I was very impressed with the efficiency of the promoters and that they didn't micro-manage, they just told us to only give the number of coats they were qualified to receive.

It was hard to comprehend the long line that snaked around the building and to see the people wrapped up in blankets to fend off the chilly weather. At 8am, the doors open and people flooded the qualification tables. Once they were qualified, you were introduced to a family and walked them around to pick out new coats. The children were so happy to be able to pick their own coats and help their little brothers and sisters make their choices. It was heartbreaking to see the excited look in their eyes, because it made me realize they probably wouldn't of had a coat at all without this charity.

We donated three hours and it went by in a flash. The parents and children were so happy and polite. Many mothers thanked me countless times and told me they got in line at 3am to ensure they could find coats their kids would be happy in. We all decided to donate our time again next year and maybe even get our hubbies involved. The whole experience really made me grateful for all that I have and to realize how blessed we all truly are.