Change a life this holiday
From Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of America's Second Harvest
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About 20 years ago, my family decided to adopt a needy family for the holidays - a tradition that still lives on in the Escarra household. Part of that responsibility involves buying gifts for the whole family and visiting with them on occasion during the season.
My kids just loved shopping for the gifts -- especially for the other kids. It was so much fun watching them run through the aisles, grabbing toys and clothes for the children. And what a great lesson for them to learn at such a young age -- how important it is to give to those in need!
The best part for my kids and I has always been going to the family's house to drop off the gifts. In addition, we'd bring enough food for a proper holiday feast. That last visit was always such an emotional one for my entire family.
And even though my kids are grown, we've continued the tradition every year since then. They still get excited about buying the gifts for the kids! I can't blame them -- it's heartwarming to watch their faces light up when they see the presents awaiting them. It's amazing to know that you can make a difference in someone's life with such a small gesture.
As a supporter of the America's Second Harvest Network, you know exactly the feeling I'm talking about.
I truly believe that it is our obligation to help our neighbors in need. That's the lesson I passed on to my children, and it's the message I send every day through my role at the America's Second Harvest Network.
Right now, working moms are being forced to make impossible choices between heating their homes and buying food for their families. Senior citizens living on fixed incomes must choose between buying groceries or much-needed prescription medicines.
I'm sure you'd agree these are choices nobody should have to make. Together, we can help them. We can help get much-needed food and groceries to these struggling Americans. But we can give so much more than that - we can give them hope!
