Last
month when the ICEL Committee sat together to plan the next few months, the hot
topic of conversation was which charity, if any, we were going to support this
year as an education league. The committee members brought ideas of different
charities that we could pick; each one as deserving as the next.
The
overwhelming feeling of gratitude came over me. I was grateful to belong to a
committee of people who care. I was grateful to be able to be in a position to
give. I was reminded that when I was younger, there were people who also cared.
Like
too many families, when I was younger, I remember how sparse things were for my
family. There were days when we didn't have enough food on the table, weeks when
clothing wore thinner than others, and one Christmas season when we were not
going to have presents under the tree. My dear mom had made some handicraft
items for the kids. But if we are being honest, we did not understand her
effort and were instead disappointed as children would be. I am heartily
ashamed of that memory now. We were the recipients of a Christmas miracle that
year. To this day, we do not know who did it, but Christmas presents and
stocking stuffers were dropped off for our whole family a few days prior of
Christmas. Of course, as kids, we thought Christmas was saved.
As
a grown up now I have a greater understanding of many different aspects of that
childhood situation. I understand why I felt so sad when there were not going
to be presents under the tree. I understand more of how my parents would have
felt at the situation. I also understand how amazing it must have been for the
group who dropped off secret Christmas for the Johnson family. I would guess
that many of our members come from similar backgrounds as me.
Our
education league has the opportunity to help a charity this holiday season that
provides items to shop for those who might not have Christmas presents under
the tree. The Candy Cane Corner is a deserving organization that helps provide
items to those who might not have basic needs, let alone Christmas surprises.
We are an education league first, but we are capable of so much more. We are
capable of helping and leading. We are capable of showing real kindness and
generosity. We are stronger in our efforts together.
You
might not be in a position to help personally, but maybe your coworkers are. By
reaching out to your colleagues and coworkers to ask for donations for this
charity, imagine the possibilities of what we all can do together. Items,
money, gift cards. It all adds up. If you need a reminder of what we have been
asked to collect, please visit the list. I am amazed by the members
of NACM and ICEL. Thank you for inspiring me to do more, be more, and live my
best life.
"The difference between what
we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the
world's problems." - Mahatma Gandhi
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