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Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it ‘white’. — Bing Crosby
There has been a trend lately in Middle America to eschew the commercialization of Christmas. Blog post after Facebook post after Pinterest pin gives us tips on how to give gifts that are homemade, simpler, filled with meaning, less fussy. After all, don’t most of us – and especially our children – have everything we need? Shouldn’t Christmas be about being together, not getting stuff?
Yes.
And no.
For those of us who have never gone hungry nor gift-less on Christmas, the focus should be on faith and family, on slowing down and embracing the meaning of the season.
But for those who have spent most of their young lives living on the edge of need – not knowing if there would be a meal on the table or a gift under a tree (let alone a tree) on Christmas – material gifts are much more than social obligation. They are a symbol of security. For a child who has experienced abuse, neglect, and housing and food scarcity, something as common to you and me as a few wrapped packages under a tree can bring great joy and begin a road to healing. A road paved in the very things many of us take for granted – birthday cakes, new shoes for school, someone to help with homework, dinner every night and Christmas gifts.
For the children of Soaring Wings Ranch, it is Christmas gifts that are most needed this season, and it is our giving that will ensure one of Mr. Crosby’s talked about “white” Christmas’ for them this year.
Soaring Wings Ranch provides long-term foster care to children who have been abused, neglected or orphaned. Their mission reaches far beyond the need for a stable home environment. SWR goal is to provide all the support each child needs to reach his or her potential and understand the love of God. They strive to give each child the tools to navigate their lives successfully if and when the time comes for them to leave the ranch. While they are at the ranch, the kids are able to learn, grow and heal.
Set on almost 200 acres in Faulkner County, from the very beginning, Soaring Wings Ranch has been committed to remaining debt free and relies on the goodness of others to help care and provide for the children and staff.
And as with most children, the kids at Soaring Wings Ranch really enjoy opening their gifts on Christmas morning. And you can help!
If you, your family, church, small group, business, etc. wants to help provide Christmas gifts for a SWR child, any gift of any amount will go toward one of the precious kiddos’ Christmas.
There are 24 children and they are budgeting $350 per child. $300 is for the child’s Christmas, $25 is for the child to buy gifts for their houseparents and $25 is for the child to buy someone in need something for Christmas. You can give directly by going to http://buff.ly/2fJD2ds or mail your gift to P.O. Box 1670 Conway, AR 72033. Please make a memo “Children’s Christmas” on your check. If you need more info please contact Jeanetta at (501) 849-2253 or jeanetta@soaringwingsranch.com
Want to help make a different year-round? Consider becoming one of the Faithful 500:
At Soaring Wings Ranch, $1,200 per month covers direct child care costs, which includes food, clothing, transportation, counseling, extra-curricular activities, tutoring, houseparents and more for each child. To provide for the direct child care needs of our children, we are looking for at least 500 caring people to commit to a new monthly donation for at least one year.
Arkansas Women Bloggers member Jerusalem Greer is a writer, speaker, preacher-lady, momma, wife, and novice farm gal. She loves theology & shiplap, liturgy & gingham, sacraments & pie baking. Celebrating the simply sacred at home, in the garden, in her community and every place in between is her jam. JerusalemGreer.com
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