 |
| Here is Cindy at a PJ sorting event |
One of our dedicated volunteers found us while working with children in 2 of our supported schools. Please meet Cindy Goodman: she sees on a daily basis the struggles that our families are in, and how it affects their children--no jackets, socks, or food can really impact their ability to learn. Not only does she volunteer, but she is a fierce financial supporter.
The impact that volunteering with Holly House has had on her drives her to help in many ways, most recently by procuring items and sponsors for our first ever
Gala and auction, and she hopes to continue to find
annual sponsors for Holly House.
I think her experience is best told in her own words, which she shared in a letter to Pam about what Holly House means to her:
"For many
years, my husband, Greg, has gone out shopping during the holidays to buy toys
to donate to various children’s charities and women’s shelters. When our favorite women’s shelter shut down,
he was referred to “Holly House”. It was
always rewarding and simple to donate either toys or money, but I learned that
Holly House was also in need of volunteers, which seemed, to me, a much more
personal way of giving help and seeing how these charities manage the
tremendous need in our community.
I
contacted Pam Martinez, who invited me to help with the Holly House holiday
“shopping” event for low income families. I was humbled by the incredible
number of items available, but mostly with the unbelievable amount of work put
into this event and the enthusiasm each volunteer contributed. It was, by far,
the best organized event I had seen, with everyone knowing their job and giving
hours upon hours of their time to make it work like a well-oiled machine. Most of all, I was touched by the genuine
love and respect that showed on the faces of each volunteer, which is, to me,
the most important part of any charity.
As a
paraeducator, I see children on a daily basis who come to school with no socks,
jackets, boots or gloves in the dead of winter. My first instinct is to bring
these items to give them but, due to the pride and/or shame of the parents, we
are not allowed to do so (we do provide these items for use while they’re at
school, however). At Title I schools, two out of three meals a day are given (to
approved students) by the school district, but I knew those kids were getting
little to eat when at home, the most needy taking home backpacks of food on the
weekends.
At Holly
House, these families are given tickets based on their income, and are free to
come “shop” for gifts and necessities for their children. They are
among other people who are in their same situation for a multitude of reasons,
and they feel much more at ease. Accepting charity is not easy for most people,
but through Holly House, the parents can provide their children with toys,
pajamas, socks, underwear, dental supplies,
stuffed animals, toiletries, hats, scarves and books while being treated with
the dignity and respect they deserve.
I am a small
player in this wonderful program; I have participated in a couple of planning
meetings, and donate my time when my schedule allows. Truckloads of necessities and toys come in
from donors, and every item must be sorted and organized for efficient storage
until they can be distributed. The
volunteers come from far and wide to get the job done, with shared camaraderie
and a sense of purpose.
Pam Martinez
is the driving force behind Holly House (along with many volunteers, without
whom none of this would be possible).
Pam seems to have had a “calling”, and somehow manages to overcome every
obstacle thrown at her. When there is need, she finds a way. I am honored to know each and every person
I’ve met through Holly House, and hope to continue working alongside them to
give a hand up to families who need it."
~ Cindy
