Valdez's Family:
It would be a true blessing for our family to be adopted this Christmas. Just like many families are struggling this holiday we are as well. I am a single mom (dad is incarcerated and has not been a part of children lives) and that works full time for a non profit that assists finding resources for special needs students such as eye glasses, dental screening, uniforms, etc. This year the non profit has to reduce the hours of staff and I was one of them. Each year I usually adopt a family for Christmas, but this year has been a total struggle. My children are very appreciative and have told me don't worry about Christmas this year, we can celebrate next year. I was financially unable to provide presents for the kids birthdays this years. It would be nice to be able to give them something for Christmas. Nothing big just something, anything would help. And please know that I will give back....10 fold.
After talking to Valdez I set up an appointment to take her shopping. She wanted necessities. We bought all the the kids sheets and comforters, pajamas, socks, t-shirts and underwear. We had spent most of our budget on this stuff but I told her that we needed to head to the toy department. We bought all 3 of the kids toys, then got her wrapping paper and tape. Last but not least, I took her over to get her stocking stuffers.
This woman was, by far, the most genuine, sweetest and humble person that I have met doing this. Everytime we picked something up and she looked at the price she would turn to me and ask, "is this too much?" When I paid for everything I received a $10 gift card from the store, which I just handed to Valdez. She didn't want to take it, but I made her take it.
We got outside and loaded up the back of her vehicle. She just kept saying "I can't believe this, I am so blessed, thank you". We hugged and she asked me if she could keep in contact with me. I said of course. And she finally asked me if her children could call me on Christmas after they were done opening their presents. I told her I would love that.
I don't know if you will be able to see what is exactly in these pictures, but I tried to take pictures of the 2 shopping carts full of presents for her kids.
This is what your involvement with Adopting Families has done for this well deserving family. Thank you !!!