What joy to see all the “Kits for Kids” sponsored kits delivered to the Port Byron Community Christmas Angel Program! Area Churches, community organizations, and generous individuals come together each fall for this program. Much coordinating goes into finding Angels to fulfill wishes for each child in the program. Toys are not always top on the wish list. Many wish for basic items like clothing, shoes, jackets, and even art and craft supplies!
How did “Kits for Kids” come about?
Betty’s Stamp Club was formed in this community and the relationships formed with club members, which made it easy to want to give back to them and the community. This is a small, rural community with lots of needs. Giving back to the community started with collecting donations for the Food Pantry during class events. Eventually, attendees at retired stamp sales were asked to give a monetary donation, which enabled the pantry to use money where needed.
This year, a fresh new idea came about to collect sponsors for “Kits for Kids” with Stampin’ Up!’s new Kits Collection and Paper Pumpkin kits while partnering with friend and fellow Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, Missy Shipman. Sponsorships were promoted during the “Linked by Ink” with Nancy & Missy Summer Fun Retreat where attendees were asked to sponsor a $12 non-stamping kit or a $19 stamping kit. The event was a success with a total of 46 sponsorships!
Retired stamp sales held during the summer and fall months resulted in the local community and customers sponsoring a total of 84 more kits. With a total of 130 sponsored kits, every child in the program will receive one. What a success to reach 130 sponsorships! It’s a wonderful way for children to be creative and share it with others.
Thanks and Gratitude
Sincere thanks and gratitude for all who helped be a small part of this wonderful program in the Port Byron Community! It makes the heart happy to have such a giving community to bring happiness to a child. Let’s not forget about the Angels in the Port Byron community either! They are the ones who have been very generous in making sure each child has gifts under the tree.
If this has struck a cord in your heart, find a worthy cause to give with heart. Whether it’s a donation to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle, a food donation to your local pantry, or your local Outreach Organization, there are many needs in any community that can use an Angel with Heart, this holiday season or the coming new year.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!