Santa’s Stocking Project

Throughout the month of December, NAI embarked on its Santa’s Stocking project.  Families who may be going through a rough time apply to be part of the program and get paired up with a group from NAI that is willing to help.  Homerooms, student organizations, and departments within the building are given wish lists from children, detailing what they might want Santa to bring them.  Our staff and students raise funds, plan shopping trips, and wrap all of the presents.  This year, NAI was able to make sure that over 100 children had presents to open.  Without our help, these children might not have had any gifts to unwrap for the holidays.  It is always a heartwarming scene when the auditorium gets filled with everything from baby clothes to bicycles waiting to be picked up by thankful parents.  Often, we hear back from our adopted families with short notes or photos.  Below are just a few excerpts from the thank-you notes that we get from appreciative families that have participated in the program…

“I really enjoyed all of my gifts.  It has been a rough year for me.  My cousin and my Grandma both passed away.  My Grandma passed away one week after my birthday.  If I had to decide what was my favorite gift was I wouldn’t be able to decide.  I loved them all!  My friends even liked my gifts.  Anyway, I loved all of my gifts and there is no way that I could thank you enough for everything you did for me.  With all of the troubles I have had this year I thought there would no presents under my Christmas tree. But to my surprise I woke up to a bunch of presents thanks to you guys and many others.  Thank you!

“I truly want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for making my son’s Christmas so special.  I recently got laid off and could not afford to get my son much, but thanks you all of you he had some things to open on Christmas morning!”

“Thank you so much for making our daughter’s Christmas so special.  You should have seen her face when she opened her doll house.  It was priceless and I even shed a tear.  It is so wonderful for all that you do.  It means so much to the children as well as the parents.  I am forever grateful to all of you.”

“Happy New Year to you all!  Thank you so much for helping us make a great Christmas for our daughter.  Her eyes lit up when she saw her bike.  The clothes fit her perfect.  But, take a guess which was her favorite?  Polly Pocket!  She still carries the little dolls with her everywhere.  Thank you!”

“Thank you so much for making my daughter’s Christmas so special.  It’s been a rough year.  People like you give me hope and inspiration and something to look forward to!”

This is an incredibly rewarding program that we hope to continue at NAI for years to come.  Especially around the holidays, it is a great lesson for us all to remember those in our communities that are going through tough times.