Most of you wouldn't know, but I volunteer in my son's Kindergarten classroom for 2 hours every Monday morning and I am also the "Classroom Parent". A month or so ago a new boy came to the class that I immediately could feel that something was "off".
Every Monday morning, I make a point to make sure that I wash his face for him, try to comb his hair, etc. Yesterday morning while doing my weekly lessons with the class he came to my table and sat down. His finger nails were black with dirt; obviously they had not been trimmed for WEEKS, maybe months, and this morning his hair was so bad that I don't think he had been able to take a bath in at least a week. His name is Branden, he will be 6 next month.
While leaving the table to move on to the next lesson Branden's shoe fell off and I could immediately tell how embarrassed he was. Not because his shoe fell off, but because as I helped him to put it back on I noticed that he was wearing women's socks. They were so dirty, that whoever had put them on him that morning, had rolled them up at the toe, so that his little foot would at least be in a "clean" part of the sock. When I also noticed that his shoes were on the wrong feet, he said, "that's OK, please don't take my other shoe off." He is from a single parent family and I can tell that they care about him as he was dressed in several layers as it was very cold - but obviously they are just doing the best that they can.
I am the first to admit that I have done my share of "complaining" this year with how tough business and times have been (thank God for what we DO have). But I have taken it upon myself to do whatever I can as it breaks my heart into a million pieces to see this. I contacted the school Principle to see what the best way to deliver items would be as we believe that the family may even be living out of their car.
In the last 24 hours my family and friends have already collected over 3 bags of clothing, 2 bags of food, 1 bag of toiletries and almost $200 in gift cards to various local stores so they can buy items they need and/or want that we may have forgotten. The School, which is also doing a toy drive, actually added his name to their "Santa's list" where the needy children of this particular school will get to go into the room of donated toys (they've collected hundreds) and pick out any one that they want for Christmas.
This is my Christmas Me-Me: Thank you & God Bless, Connie
Thanks to Cathy Lee for tagging me for a Christmas MeMe: Now I Tag
Kimo Stowell, Michelle Minch & Fernando Rosado
*************************************UPDATE***************************************
I've been contacted by several generous souls on how one can "donate" to this young boy and his family. After meeting with the School today, what they REALLY need most is food. Gift certificates to stores in our immediate area are Ralphs, Vons, Albertsons, Big-Lots and Target. If you would like to mail gift cards or certificates, you can send them to:
Peach Hill Academy 13400 Christian Barrett Dr, Moorpark, CA 93021
Attention Mrs. Welch (Principle) or Mrs. De los Santos (V.P.)
Include a small note that your gift is to go to Connie Tebyani's "Adopted" Kid ;-) They'll know what you mean - please don't refer to him by name. THANK YOU, for all of your generosity!!!!
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Connie - thanks so much for sharing that with us. Sometimes it is easy to forget how much other people are struggling right now.
Connie ~ That is very sad, but I'm glad to hear he has met someone like you who takes the time to care.
Connie -- So many families don't know how to find help and assistance when times are tough. I volunteer at a homeless shelter for families- and it is a blessing to me -- it makes me realize how very blessed I am - even when I think I need "things" I have so much more than so many. Bless you for your efforts -- I hope the family will be receptive to your help and perhaps you can help them find resources they need to get back on their feet. (If they are homeless see if there is a Family Promise shelter in your area - they specialize in homeless families and if they can't offer shelter, they will know where to turn.)
your heart is in the right place. thank you for sharing this story. I will read it to my (sometimes )ungrateful daughter, who needs to put things in prospective.
Connie: I am glad that this child and his parent has found a great support in you. I'm proud to call you my friend. At this time of the year especially, it is hard to hear stories like this.
There is help available for them and other distressed families and individuals from 211LA County a non-profit funded by LA County Health and Human Services. They can reach this organization by dialing 211 from any telephone in Los Angeles County. Help is available in English, Spanish and 140 other languages. Here is a blurb from their web site:
How 211 LA County Helps
Los Angeles County individuals and families call for many different types of services. Professional community resource advisors help callers with critical issues like health care and substance abuse, domestic violence, shelter, food, legal and financial assistance, children and senior programs and mental health services.
You are a kind and generous person, Connie. Thank you.
Now about that MeMe - Can't I do the one about wrapping paper vs. gift bags and whether or not I like eggnog (I don't)? That one is so much easier!
Wanda & Kathy ~ Thank you. A Lot of people will be going through some very hard times long after the holidays as well. It needs to be something we make a point of doing all year 'round.
Margaret ~ Good for you for helping out so many. I have been involved in many organizations as well, however I KNOW this boy, and he knows me, and I simply can NOT let this happen to a child - children are helpless in their situations.
Benita ~ You know, we actually had our boys sit down and watch one of those extended "Feed the Children" infomercials a couple days ago. They don't understand what it is to go through the "have nots".
Thank you, Michelle ~ No, you have to "give" in this MeMe. (so you don't meme - me back: wrapping vs. bags are pretty even. Bags are easier, but I enjoy hand making my own bows for boxes ;-D) This is invaluable information that hopefully will reach and help many. I have additional information for my immediate area as well.
There is a Cold Weather Shelter program in Simi Valley and another in TO - they have different locations every night in Simi Mon is at Cornerstone Church at Tapo and Vally Fair - 805-579-9166 - the locations open at 7:45 and offer a hot meal - Tues & Wed is at the 7th Day Adventist Church (did not ask the rest of the week)
In Thousand Oaks, Monday nights is Holy Trinity on de los arboles, they open at 5:45 if staying overnight, or 6pm for dinner Tuesday is Calvary Church - 497-6207 They can also go to the SAMARITAN CENTER 805-579-9166 (at the Lutheran Church) - they offer showers, food and clothing from 7am to 11am (I think they said M-F) they also have case workers that will help refer them further if an abuse or other situation, job counseling, attorneys, etc. They will do the clothes they are wearing, but not full loads of laundry.
We now have 2 bags of toiletries, 5 bags of clothing, 4 bags of food, 2 bags of toys and stuffed animals, 3 blankets & $350 in various gift cards. The school has even notified me of yet another child who may be in need of assistance, so we will be splitting this between them if donations keep coming in. "Oh, tidings of comfort and joy"
Connie: You or the school should set up a Paypal account and put a link in this blog so people can donate through Paypal.
Aloha Connie,
Through giving we receive! Thanks for being the embodiment of the season. We change the world through random acts of kindness! Mahalo for being you!
Peace,
Connie - you are a true hero! Christmas is about giving and it sounds like you and the people you are surrounded by are cheerful givers. It is a wondeful story to hear! Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Michelle ~ I saw that an AR Admin had added a Paypal button to his blog, which is a great idea. But since it take s couple days to set up a seperate account from my busniess one.... We needed to get everything together by this Friday so that the family could receive it before the holiday break. Thank you for the suggestion!
Kimo ~ Thank you, it is the very least I could do. Mahalo and have a safe trip!
Tanya ~ Fortunately I am surrounded by giving and generous individuals who, when the plight calls, answer that call in amazing ways. Merry Christmas!
God Bless you. This is a wonderful journey you have embarked on.
HI Connie, You made me cry with that story. You are a very special, caring person that is here on this earth for a reason. You made a difference in that boy's life and he will never forget what you have done for him and his family. Sometimes you just know you have to do something that will make a difference for no other reason than it is the right thing to do.
OMG Connie . How lucky of you to find someone in need ! and helping . Im all choked up with the story but I am all about giving, like Kimo says it does come back, but don't give for that reason. Give because you care ! and thats what you did . I love you for that Friend !
No Im tagged and have no clue what to write!!!!!!
This was a wonderful Meme and it warms my heart to hear that you care so much for this child (and family) who is obviously having a hard time this season. I'm sure you will get so much back from the giving you are doing right now - but I know that's not why you are doing it. You do it because it is who you are... and that's pretty wonderful. Happy holidays!
Connie-Your kindness and generosity is what the Spirit of Christmas is all about!! Blessings to you and family. Those who give, gather!! xoxoxo, CL
Connie, what can we do? Where can we send a donation or can I send a gift for this little boy - can I send it to you and you can deliver it? please let me know. I am very interesting in doing something right now. So please let me know. Kym@staged-to-sell.com
Patricia ~ Thank you, it is a journey I highly recommend.
Michelle ~ I still cry... He was brought to school this morning by some church volunteers. But he still had his bright toothless smile for me. (He lost his 2 front teeth already) "All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth, my 2 front teeth, my 2 front teeth...."
Fernando & Melissa ~ All deposits in the Bank of Karma, but I did this because no human being in their right mind could turn a blind eye. He is just too precious, and as I said before: it kills me when it involves kids because they are the victims of their parent's situations, whatever they might be, and I am not the one to judge.
Thank you, Cathy ~Your MeMe tag came just at the right time
Kym ~ You are so sweet to offer, and since you weren't the first, I updated the original post with the school information for people to send gift certificates if they wish to help. What a wonderful feeling would it be for this family to come back to school after the cold holiday break and start 2009 with food in their cupboards!
=) worthy of being bumped one last time
You're earning your wings Connie:) I hope some day Brandon realizes how lucky he was to be in this particular kindergarten class.
I thought about this and I dont thing anything is casualty. You were in that room at that time for some reason, maybe it was a pop quiz from above! If it was you passed that lesson and moved up a level in humanity.
Marianne ~ You are so very kind. He or his family will never know it was me, they will just know that many cared.
Fernando ~ I have to say that I think you're right - someone "up there" knew that this child & family needed help.
Connie,
Thanks for sharing this story! I also was room Mom when my son was in Kindergarten and I know how attached you can get to these kids. So nice of you to recognize that this little ones family needed the extra support from the community. What a great thing you have done for this little boy and what a difference you and the others that donated will make for their Christmas. Isn't this what the spirit of Christmas is all about, helping others? Happy Holidays to you and your family Connie!
Connie: I sent a Target card yesterday.
Michelle P ~ It is the spirit of the season. However, we all need to be doing this all year 'round if possible.
Michelle M ~ TY SOOOOO much! You're amazing!
What a touching story. We are SO lucky to have what we do and it's good to remember this especially in harder economic times. I just found out a handyman I work with is now living out of his van. This sort of thing really can hit close to home. You are amazing to help out others in need.
Thank you, Annie ~ I am so sorry to hear about your handy-man as well. Please let us know how our AR family can help.
I wanted to let everyone know that on the first day back from the holiday break, our little Boy was wearing brand new shoes and pants, clean white socks and his favorite cartoon charature shirt. He had the cutest little smirk on his face all morning while he was in the classroom, it filled my heart with joy knowing that he had touched so many more people than he could ever imagine.
No, he nor his family know where this all began - they just know that there are people who are out there who care. Thank You!