Collaborative Corner on the Move

By Jeannie Pederson, Pope County Initiative Coordinator

A parent shared their feelings of gratitude through a thank you card that is meant for everyone who supported children and their families through Armful of Love.

Dear Magical Crew, I just want to say thank you for all of your time, energy, and love that you have poured into my family (and all of the other families!!). I cannot say thank you enough for making Christmas so special and magical. Without this program, I genuinely don’t think I could have made Christmas gifts happen this year. So, a huge and tearful thank you. Wishing all involved a very, very Merry Christmas! Thank you!

In this season of love and gratitude, the Armful of Love committee members are very grateful for the continued support of the program for families experiencing stressors, especially this time of year. They benefited from the generosity of the Minnewaska Area Schools, Glacial Hills Elementary School, Western Prairie Human Services, Horizon Public Health, individuals, congregations, organizations, businesses, and all those who adopted families and/or donated gifts and funds. Thank you to the Glacial Ridge Emergency Services for their Toy Drive and great crew who gave of their time to also help on distribution day. You are all appreciated!

This year, 274 children received gifts and 117 families received food packages through our partnership with Tom’s Market.

We are so grateful to Sacred Heart Catholic Church members for hosting Armful of Love and for their donations. Our committee all felt the true spirit of giving, thankfulness and love from all who entered our workshop and we appreciated the wonderful meals to help sustain our energy through the long days. Glenwood Lutheran Church members also carried on the tradition of reaching out to families at Christmas time. Their generosity was expressed through donations which helped provide gifts and a Christmas meal with other groceries. Thanks to everyone along with Armful of Love committee members, Mary Walsh, Karen Thompson, Mary Kuhn, Marlene Altendahl, Patty Bond and other wonderful volunteers.

Best wishes to all for a very special Holiday Season with your families and friends! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!