I spent 10 hours at the coNSERNS-U Christmas Store shopping with parents who were there for one purpose and one purpose only.  They wanted to find some gifts for each of their children to have on Christmas morning . A volunteer walks around with the client , navigates and encourages, but the choices within the parameters of age and  number of children and number of gifts, is theirs.  ( Each eligible child gets 2 presents and 3 pieces of clothing, 2 age appropriate books, 3 pieces of warm clothing. . . hats, gloves , scarves), stocking stuffers, and a game or two for the family. There were even bikes that were donated as gifts.

For the volunteers this was an early, priceless  gift . For us seeing these dear souls with excitement in their eyes and words, experiencing  the gift of Christmas by choosing gifts for their children.  It was their early Christmas morning!”It is more blessed to give than receive.”

Please watch the video from Chanel 13 News in Albany.  Yesterday, there was coverage by the 3 local stations.  CoNSERNS-U is the only charity that does a Free Christmas Store where the clients shop for their children.The others have volunteers shopping for a family or adopting  a family.

A baby, poverty, gifts, a special  free gift,  wise men. . . . . Christmas . . . . . Love!

I was tired but I felt blessed to have had a part in this powerful event.

Merry Christmas!

http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S3650388.shtml?cat=300