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Happy Wednesday.
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Many years ago, when I worked as a security officer at McPhillips Station Casino, there were a couple of Christmas seasons when I had the opportunity to organize hampers for families in need. This was a highlight in my life because years before I was a kid who received the magic of Christmas through a hamper. So, it was a wonderful opportunity to be on the other side.
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Hamper day in our family was always a special day, and I often wondered if other families celebrated it like we did. I use the term ‘celebrate’ generically because we didn’t host a party or anything like that. The day always just sort of felt like a celebration because my mom and dad always built it up and there was so much excitement for the items to be delivered.
Shelley Cook in the 1980s. (Supplied)
We never felt shame, only gratefulness.
Perhaps, this is because back then I thought everyone received Christmas hampers. I kid you not, I just thought this was something that happened for all families over the holidays. I didn’t realize this bounty of food was something to help my parents who were struggling in the grips of poverty to make ends meet. I also had no idea the hampers included gifts, as my mom would intercept and hide them for Christmas morning.
“We received Christmas hampers for several years, and we will be forever grateful to the people who donated,” Cook says. (Supplied)
Sometimes, I find myself thinking about the countless anonymous people who donated to us and other families. I wonder if they realize how much excitement and appreciation their generosity stirred up, and how much of a difference they made, whether they tossed a non-perishable item in a bin, gave some money, organized the hamper drive, or volunteered in a warehouse. Their efforts were invisible, yet life-changing and long-lasting. I wonder if they could even fathom that their generosity continues today because we grew up and can now give back.
A huge shoutout and THANK YOU to everyone who has helped put together a holiday hamper. Your kindness makes the world a better place, and I promise it makes an impact, even years later.
Have a wonderful week everyone,
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