by Sexy Tabby
When the post first came onto Eden Fantasys Forum calling for members to be a part of Eden Gives Back, I was really impressed. Every year I usually give to local foster children because I truly believe every child should be given the opportunity to know Christmas with all the splendor and the magic that it represents. As an adult with three children of my own, I understand a parents need to see our children smile during the hardest of times. Those smiles are our future and we should have the opportunity to nourish them as often as possible. The Eden Gives Back Program has done just that and I am honored to be a part of it.

After getting the okay to be a representative of Eden Community in the program I went to our local Department of Social Services and asked for a family to adopt for Christmas. I was surprised they had so many in my area. Over 300 submissions within 20 miles of my location. They asked what kind of family I was looking for and the only answer I had was one with children that would honestly benefit from our efforts. I was given four families to choose from. That was horrible. I felt like a beast because I was turning away other children that needed someone to care for them as well. But the choice was made and our Second Christmas Family decided; a loving family of nine.

When I accepted the family I knew they had been displaced and were being housed by the state. Both parents were working but they were still struggling to get back on their feet. After talking with the Mother I found out they were in a home too small and desperately waiting for their own home, which wouldn’t be rebuilt until February. Out of seven children there were three boys that were sharing a twin size bed. This was disrupting the older boy’s performance in school and leading to issues that simply weren’t necessary. The mother said they needed many things, and that her family and the state had helped replenish their winter clothes, food and most basic needs. Their list of wants wasn’t too bad, so I started to plan while waiting to post for donations on Eden’s forum.

The reality of such a large family struck as I was making lists of items I wanted to buy for them. I didn’t know how much we would raise, but Black Friday came before it was over and I couldn’t resist. I bought all kinds of goodies while the getting was cheap. Hot Wheels, baking ovens, play doh and baby dolls were just some of the sale items on my list.

When I found out we had raised $373.77 I was really excited. It was more then I budgeted for so I could get more for the kids. Each child ended up with their requested toy and a complete outfit. In addition I had several miscellaneous items that they could share — stuffed animals, interactive animals that sang, danced or played tug of war, coloring books, reading books, board books and so much more. I also was able to buy them each a stocking stuffer bag filled with candy, toys and activities that were age appropriate for each child.

For the parents I wanted them to have peace of mind that their children would be happy and secure with the magic of Christmas but that doesn’t mean Mom and Dad shouldn’t get anything. With the left over funds I bought them a Lenox Candle Set, perfume, cologne, a variety of candies and photo albums to document their large family all over again.

Being inspired by the Eden Communities efforts to help so many this holiday season I took it upon myself to go beyond what was received and to get a bunk bed for the boys. Now all three boys would have their own separate sleeping area, my own added gift to the parents. I thought space would be an issue but I was certain they would be able to make enough room for the bed. Ended up with a wonderful used set with a white metal frame, a double bed on the bottom, a twin on top and a sofa love seat with a pull out bed. With that we got bedding stuff too. Figured they’d need sheets and waterproof mattress pads

I think my overwhelming moment came when I was wrapping the presents. There were so many and my own children where driving me crazy asking questions about the other family. They knew the gifts were for a homeless family who needed some help while they got back on their feet. After banishing them from the living room I got back to wrapping. It took forever. Eventually, my three came downstairs with a trash bag. My six year old said her baby toys could go because she wasn’t a baby anymore and other babies could still play with them. My boys had items they no longer played with as well. So, in addition to all the toys Eden bought for the family, I cleaned up the used toys and gave them the bag from my children too. And the inspiration of caring and loving others is passed down to the next generation of children.

When we delivered everything the Mom and Dad made all the kids go to one room and let me tell you what – seven children are extremely loud! It was hysterical to hear them trying to figure out who the strangers were and peeking out the window at us hoping to see what we had. All of their presents were hidden because they were all coming from ”Santa” but the furniture was taken into the house. The kids were bouncing off the walls excited about the bed. Those parents are going to have serious little monkeys on their hands!

The Mother and Father were extremely grateful and pass along their appreciation to the entire community and so do I. Thank you to Eden Fantasys and to all the members who helped to make this family’s Christmas bright.