A Tree for Jefferson

I never imagined that a 6 year old boy would touch my heart so deeply. This past Christmas, my friend, Julianne and I, with the help of our families, made a wish come true for a less fortunate family.

I met Jefferson when I participated in Kristi’s Christmas last December. Kristi’s Christmas is an organization that helps some of the neediest children in Fairfax County. These needy children are teamed up with students from West Springfield High School who give their time to be a “buddy” to a child for the day. The day begins with breakfast at the Springfield Waterford, followed by a special day of shopping at Target, and back to the Waterford for a visit from Santa Claus.

Jefferson was the happiest child, in spite of the fact that he barely had his basic needs met. As we got to know each other at breakfast, Jefferson asked us to write our names on a piece of paper so that he could remember us. After breakfast, we went to Target and bought clothes for Jefferson. We asked him what he needed most and he told us simple things like shoes, shirts, and pajamas. His excitement over a new pair of shoes, something most of us take for granted, was heart wrenching. I tried hard to hold back my tears as we shopped.

When we arrived back to the Waterford there was a surprise waiting for the children. “SANTA!” Jefferson screamed as he pushed his way through all the kids to give him a hug. Next, Santa read the children a story and then passed out presents. As Jefferson waited for his name to be called, he asked me if there was going to be a Christmas tree inside Santa’s bag for him. I asked, “Why, do you not have a Christmas tree?” He answered with a sad “No.” It was then time to say our goodbyes. I could no longer hold back my tears because we had created such a strong bond with him. It was at this point I knew what we had to do.

I told my mom the story and she was so moved, that she took it upon herself to contact Jefferson’s school to see if it would be okay to buy a Christmas tree for him and his family. The school contacted the family, who graciously accepted our help, and put me in touch with Jefferson’s father. My family and Julianne’s family were willing to split any costs in order to buy a tree and presents. Because of the kindness of so many people we were able to buy the family not only a Christmas tree, but stockings for each family member, a present for the parents and two gifts for each child.

I contacted Jefferson’s father to make arrangements to deliver the tree and gifts. I was not prepared for the emotions I would feel when we pulled in to the neighborhood. There were kids outside playing and they immediately asked us who we were looking for. I told them we were looking for Jefferson’s house and one of the boys ran in to get him. All of a sudden Jefferson came sprinting out and gave me the biggest hug ever. We brought the presents in and got the tree set up. After it was decorated, we hung the stockings and put the gifts under the tree. We were ready to say our tearful goodbyes, when Jefferson did something I will never forget. He reached into his tiny pocket and pulled out a wrinkled piece of paper. He said, “look at this,” and began unfolding the paper. As he opened the paper teats filled my eyes, it was the piece of paper that he asked us to write our names on two weeks prior. It was such an incredible feeling to know that we meant that much to him.

On Christmas day, I received a phone call from Jefferson’s father. He called to thank our families for everything we had done for them. He said it was the best Christmas they have ever had and that they will never forget the kindness that our families showed them. I know that I will never forget Jefferson and his family and I thank them for giving me the opportunity to know them and to make Jefferson’s Christmas come true.

This experience has made me realize how much I want to give back to others in need. This year I am organizing an effort for my high school cheer team to adopt a needy family for the holidays. It is so rewarding and fulfilling to know that I can make such difference in someone’s life that is less fortunate than me. My experience with Jefferson and his family will live in my heart forever. I pray that everyone has the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. Words could never express the feeling that comes with giving.

I Hope She Had Fun As Much As I Did

Thank you so much for the opportunity of volunteering for Kristi’s Christmas. I am so grateful for all the materialistic things that I own. My buddy was Yudy from ————- Elementary School and I must say that she is the cutest second grader that I’ve ever met. She was so smart and I learned so much from her.  While we were in Target she always asked for my opinions on what to get because she said that she wanted to be as “pretty as I was”. In the end, we had enough money to buy Yudy a purse to go with the outfits that she picked out. I hope that she had fun as much as I did. It was very emotional for me while opening presents with Yudy, she opened her first present in the Tupperware and it was a flashlight, and she screamed, “A FLASHLIGHT! Something that I’ve always wanted!”. I wished Yudy a Merry Christmas and a tear rushed down my cheek. She was so thankful for a flashlight and the smile on her face made everything worth it. This experience makes me want to come volunteer for Kristi’s Christmas and help another buddy pick out clothes at Target next year.

Again, thank you so much for this opportunity. Hopefully I’ll see you again next year.