It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Random Acts is still celebrating! This holiday season, each staff member had $150 to put towards an #RAHolidayKindness act of their choice. Of course we encourage spreading kindness all year long. But the holiday season is an extra special time to focus on sharing our love, time, and resources with others. We had so much fun making holiday magic happen. It only makes sense to spread the cheer with a blog series telling you all about our staff holiday acts! Let’s see what the Random Acts elves have been up to…
One of the joys of the holidays is spending time with family. But not everyone experiences “family” the same way. And not all families have the resources they need in their daily lives, much less for holiday celebrations. Thankfully, Random Acts staff members saw a number of opportunities to help.
- Human Resources Manager Natalie Robinson joined forces with the Bergen Volunteer Center in New Jersey to “adopt” a family for Christmas. Their “All Wrapped Up” program matches donors with families coping with illness, unemployment, isolation, domestic abuse and poverty. Donations provide families with toys, clothing, gift certificates, and gift cards like what Natalie donated, to help celebrate the holidays.
Fundraising Officer Iliana Habib played Secret Santa for the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County, Tennessee. The Child Advocacy Center serves children who have been abused or whose parents are suffering from addiction. Iliana “adopted” a little girl named Shaniya. Along with warm clothes and a new coat, Shaniya will get toys and a Minnie Mouse doll from her wish list.- Events Assistant Coordinator Jennifer Santangelo helped Harbor House of Central Florida by providing bedding, pillows, and towels to give comfort to a family just coming into the shelter.
- Regional Representative Bhumika Makwana connected with her local city council to purchase toys and blankets for children and families living in a homeless hostel in South London.
Regional Representative April Vian joined with others in her community to help a single grandmother struggling to raise her teenage grandson. She purchased Christmas gifts for both grandmother and grandson; other community members contributed food and helped with repairs of the family’s home.- Regional Representative Misty Cash met Hurricane Michael survivor Demetris during our recent E4K event, and reconnected with him to help him and his family celebrate the holidays. When his mother’s workplace was destroyed in the hurricane, Demetris dropped out of college so he could work more hours and help support his family. Misty took Demetris shopping to restock his kitchen so he wouldn’t have to go without. Now he won’t need to worry about grocery money during the holiday season and even a bit beyond!
While the holidays can be a lonely time for families who are struggling, it’s our hope that these small acts of #RAHolidayKindness can make the season a little brighter.