Collaborative Corner on the Move

By Jeannie Pederson, Pope County Family Collaborative Coordinator

Thank you to the Glacial Ridge Emergency Medical Technicians – Mike, Jeanine, Keli & Katie Lembcke, Tracy, Jessica and State Trooper Dylan Athey. Thank you to members of the Sheriff’s office and the Glenwood Police Department who also volunteered for Armful of Love on distribution day. Thank you to the Glacial Ridge Ambulance Crew for partnering with Armful of Love for so many years through their Toy Drive and their help in sharing the gifts with families! It was wonderful to be joined by our youngest volunteer who was so eager to help and always with a smile.

The season of Armful of Love is one of thanks, giving, celebrating Christmas and this month centered on love.

The committee is witness to the many acts of kindness and how far reaching the program is in bringing people together, all to help families in need at Christmas. It’s exactly why the program began so many years ago. From the child who chooses a ball from a giving tree to donate a gift to another child or an individual, family, school, business or organization who connects to sponsor a family, they are filling the wishes of hundreds of children. On behalf of the committee, we appreciate all of you along with the volunteers who give of their time. Thank you so much for sharing your love and care!

The following are some of the comments from families, sponsors of families and volunteers.

*Handwritten card – Thank you so very much for all the great gifts you got for our kiddo’s at Christmas. Your kindness was very much appreciated! May the Lord bless you all year round and many years to come!

*A child’s written greeting – I hope you have a good Christmas. Happy Holidays. It also included a sticker that said, you are loved.

*“This means so much to me. It’s been a very hard year. Now I’ll be able to enjoy Christmas with my family.” Then she asked, “Can I give you a hug?” The question has been asked before and the answer is always, “Yes!”

*“This year, a neighbor and I went shopping. It’s so fun to look at what children want or need and to be generous and have the opportunity to spoil them. I’m touched when I read that they need underwear and socks that we take for granted.”

*“Giving us the opportunity for people to give others a hand, fills my heart. It is so satisfying to give back.”

*“Serving this many children and families brings pure joy to my heart, especially after reading the notes from families. Made me tear up. It’s what it’s all about and is wonderful to be a part of.”

*“It is my pleasure to volunteer for Armful of Love. It is one of my favorite Christmas traditions that I look forward to each year.”

Thank you to: ~ Sacred Heart Catholic Church staff and members for your hospitality, donating gifts/funds and providing delicious evening meals and a beautiful space for our workshop ~Glenwood Lutheran Church for all the donations gifts/funds and for the day of sharing ~Tom’s Market for partnering to ensure that families have a Christmas meal and other groceries ~All the sponsors of families to brighten Christmas for a child including the Minnewaska Area Schools and Glacial Hills Elementary School ~ Western Prairie Human Services & Horizon Public Health for sharing the opportunity for families to register ~ All the volunteers who helped support so many Pope County families and again, the Glacial Ridge Ambulance crew for sharing goodwill and gifts for many children!

May we continue to fill our hearts with the goodness of helping others throughout the year. Happy Random Acts of Kindness Week and Valentine’s Day!