One of the families sponsored for Christmas came on Saturday, December 18, to pick up the gifts. In conversation with one of our volunteers we learned that they didn’t have any beds at home. In her usual happy demeanor and resilient spirit the mom said, “Oh, don’t worry about us, sleeping on the floor is good for your back, you know.” Upon further questioning we found out this family with five children didn’t have any furniture in their entire house! For about four months, they had been making it work using makeshift furniture—vacuum boxes as a dinner table, the ground as their sofa, and blankets as their beds.

Using Craigslist and some very kind donations from Divine Consign, over the next five days we were able to get the family a dining room table with six chairs, king and queen-sized beds, two couches, and three tables for the living room. This family now has places to gather for dinner and relax together. Most importantly, they have beds to sleep on so they can get proper rest.

We brought the first couch into the house and the kids lit up with excitement. They started laughing, jumping and bouncing on the couch, exclaiming, “We have somewhere to sit now!” They continued this joyful celebration of giggling and bouncing on each new piece of furniture that came through the door.

As we delivered each new piece, we saw the apartment transforming into a home. The dining room table and chairs gave each family member a spot to share meals, talk about their day, and even do homework. The couch, in addition to serving as a trampoline, gave them a cozy spot to cuddle together and read books. The beds and linens gave the children warm, comfortable spots to get the sleep they need for school. The children seeing their apartment transformed into a home shouted with glee, “I can’t believe this, all in one week!”

We have a family of five that is currently homeless. They came to our school last fall with three children who were in need of warm clothes and shoes. All three also needed school supplies and backpacks. We were able to provide clothing, jackets, shoes, and all of their school supplies. We also helped get them connected with the HOPE Program so that the children would be able to come to King regardless of their temporary placement.

Mom and the oldest daughter love to read, and they were thrilled to see that we have a book exchange since most of their books are in storage. They stop in often to select new books to read. One of the teachers noticed that the student in her class seemed hungry all the time. We talked about what to do. Because they are in a shelter, they are not good candidates for the backpack buddies program, but we are putting together a custom bag every week that is filled with healthful snacks. About three weeks ago, the 5th-grade daughter came to me with three crocheted hats. She said that she wanted to give back and that she and her mother had made the hats for our program. It was great to see the pride she had as she was able to share her talents to help others in need.