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EARNING
THEIR WINGS
Grandma's Gifts
Thanksgiving eve, my family stopped
at the supermarket to pick up our last-minute groceries. I spotted a girl my age
in the checkout line. Her family
was buying bologna and bread. I tugged at my mom’s sleeve. “Why don’t they
have a turkey like us?” I asked.
“Not everyone is as fortunate as we are,” Mom replied. “Your
grandmother grew up like that.” My grandmother had just died, but I’d never
forget her generous spirit. During the holiday season, she bustled around buying
coats, toys and mittens for needy children. “Every kid should have a
Christmas,” Grandma liked to say.
Something clicked. Why couldn’t I
be just like Grandma? “I want to do something for kids,” I announced. I
wrote to my family friends for donations. By Christmas, I had enough money to
buy presents for three kids. That was the start of Grandma’s Gifts.
Twelve years later, with the support of schools,
churches and corporations, Grandma’s Gifts has brought brand-new outfits,
board games and toys to more than 3,000 children in the Appalachian region.
Every kid should have a Christmas. Now because of Grandma, a few more do.
For more information on Grandma's Gifts, click
here.
—Emily Douglas, Powell, Ohio
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