Hannah's Socks • warm feet, warm hearts

With 8 young children in our house, Christmas morning came early. By 4 a.m. the kids were opening their gifts. I tried real hard to get them to go back to sleep but once they saw that santa had visited, there was no sleep in sight!

We spent the next 2 hours putting things together and having fun, even at 6 a.m. By 7 a.m. we were loading up the van with new socks, hats, gloves and scarves. Our new family tradition includes passing out gifts to the homeless men, women and children as they eat their breakfast served up by volunteers. Vic, myself, six of our kids, my dad, and our neighbor Dusty headed downtown with bags full of warmth for people who need them.

Hannah couldn't get the socks passed out quick enough. We heard everything from "I just arrived in town and have nothing," to "the socks I have on right now are wet, thank you for the new socks."

All of the guests we interacted with wished us a Merry Christmas, and they were so thankful for the extra warmth they received. I had gotten a chance to visit a little bit with some of the people who had finished their meal. I had heard over and over what a blessing we are to them. They did not understand that they were a blessing to us. To hear them thank God, sing praises, and to be so thankful for what they had just received put the reason for the season where it ought to be.

Socks and other clothing essentials are a renewable need for our partner shelters, so please consider donating a pair today.