Eight years ago, I was inspired to start a new tradition with my chosen family
We were living our adult lives and in a position to give back to others
I read a story in the local news about the 100 Neediest Cases
An opportunity for a big act of kindness that quickly turned into a labor of love
The first year, we met the minimum requirements to cover our family’s needs
Each year after that, we gave a little bit more
A house full of warmth, laughter, and never-ending wrapping paper
Full hearts and full glasses of wine as we carefully wrap each gift
And safely deliver them with love to their final destination
As I sit at my computer submitting my family request
It feels different this year … heavy … and more important than ever
Last spring, I watched as a tornado tore through the community that I love
The needs of those families didn’t disappear once the news stories ended
During a time of immense loss and a long road to recovery
My hope for the holidays is that we can bring a little bit of joy, comfort, and relief
To other St. Louis moms needing a little bit of extra magic this year
Written by Haley Strebler. For more of Haley’s posts, visit https://stlouis.momcollective.com/author/haleystrebler/ or on IG @mamastrebs
