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When Elisabeth’s partner of 11 years left with no notice, abandoning her and three children without income, savings or child support, she prepared them for a disappointing Christmas.
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“This program helped me to give my children an incredible first 'new life' Christmas. Instead of thinking that it was the first Christmas without their dad, they instead were thrilled and excited to see presents under the tree, and to smell delicious food cooking. I had been preparing them for disappointment, but instead they had the best Christmas that they had ever had,” she said.
The family was referred to Overflow Cafe’s Operation Christmas Stocking by her children’s school guidance counselor.
“I could not believe it when the delivery came. It was so much more than I ever could of hoped or asked for. (Volunteers) filled up half my kitchen floor with food and gifts for my three children. It was all I could do to keep it together until I closed the front door again, then I walked back to the kitchen, looked at all of it and burst into tears. I am not an emotional person, but the relief and thankfulness I felt was so big, I couldn't contain it.”
Operation Christmas Stocking partners with area school social workers to identify food-insecure students to assist over the winter break. The program aims to provide breakfast, lunch and snacks for the days schools are closed, as well as hygiene assistance and a touch of Christmas magic.
“This program is so different from other Christmas programs. They didn't just give my children a generic donated gift. They took us on as a family of individuals, and every thing they did felt purposeful and full of love. They treated my family like family, and made a life long impression on us,” she said.
This year the organization’s goal is to raise $15,000 to assist Richlands and surrounding areas during the holiday season. Fundraising begins with a mid-July online silent auction.
Overflow Cafe also seeks area businesses and organizations to partner with in order to impact as many families as possible.
“The reason the community should become involved in this program is because (Operation Christmas Stocking doesn’t) make it about the gifts. (They) make it about showing the family love and that's incredible,” she said.
In 2024, personal hygiene and Christmas were provided to 34 area children.
Christmas was provided to another three. Breakfast, lunch and snacks to another 49.
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To become a partner, please email OverflowCafeNC@gmail.com or call 910-375-9503.
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FUNDRAISER INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE.
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