When I was five years old, I remember my dad taking me to the Christmas Cheer Board and getting me to carry two presents to the car. I was excited. Some complete stranger just gave me two wrapped gifts for no reason at all. How great was that?
It was in the car where my father explained to me what we were about to do. There was a family that we’d never met before who we were going to deliver the presents to. They weren’t for me, he explained, but they were for two young girls about the same age as me.
Dad told me that the family was hungry and needed some food also. At the time I did not understand why anyone would be hungry and why they couldn’t just go to the store and get food. So many questions as a young child.
When you have what you need… building a bigger table stuck with me as I grew older. I also witnessed my parents welcome strangers to our holiday dinners over the years. People who just needed a bit of help. Each season I also returned to the Cheer Board. Looking around, I could see a community that rose up around me all with one single unifying belief: To share the magic of the holidays and help make
them just a little bit brighter for others.
Why is the Cheer Board so special?
Well, honestly it isn’t. We are one of hundreds of organizations throughout the city trying to extend a hand to those who need an extra bit of help. But for five years now, I’ve seen recipients turn into volunteers. I’ve heard stories of folks well into their 30s, 40s and 50s fondly remembering a toy they received from the Cheer Board when life was a bit harder as a child. I’ve seen people from one end of
the city to the other work together to make a difference and find a sense of belonging.
At a time in this world when everything feels so hard, there is warmth and kindness here. The Cheer Board helps fill a need on both sides of the giving table.
We’ll open for hamper pickup and delivery in early December. With two locations this year, it hasn’t been easy, but our band of merry volunteers have risen to the challenge because they believe in what we do. We will see thousands come through our doors to receive but also to give.
And once again this year I’ll find myself making just one Christmas wish — to find a place that the Cheer Board and others can call home. Because we need to be here, in this city, helping our community at a time when they need us most, for as long as they need us.
