This morning was spent at the Salvation Army Distribution Center distributing toys to families who have been approved for help from the Salvation Army. This year the SA will help 12,000 kids in Atlanta and 6,000 in Dekalb / Fulton counties. These families are 150% below the national poverty line. This year first time applicants were up 30% due to increased unemployment with the recession.
One lady that I was helping carrying her son's new bike to the car told a story that I'm not sure I will ever forget. She had been saving for a long time to get her 10 year old a bike. After he got his first bike ever, someone stole it. Well, she could not afford to get him a new one. He was going to be very surprised with his new bike at Christmas. That wasn't the part that got me. She went on to say how blessed she was and how great God was all the time, even at times when we don't think he is very nice to us. Hearing that story, along with the stories from the other SA volunteers, made me take a step back and look at my situation. In some ways, this has been one of the hardest years ever. I lost my job, had a love heartbreak and lost 2 precious pets. But, at the end of the day, I still feel like I'm a very blessed/lucky person as well. I'm not in a position where I can't pay my house payment, the gas or power bill and there are many out there in that situation. My wish is that everyone will take a look at their own situation this Christmas and see the blessings in their lives.
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