
As we roll right into December, I'd like to first share a letter from a boy named Jackson Austin Ley, in Boston Massachusetts, who has organized with his classmates, teachers and principals, an incredible act of giving.
Jackson's grandmother lives in Monmouth County New Jersey, which is my former hometown. Many areas, in and around, have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Christmas and winter holidays, for many of these families, will be expected to be but a blur as they are still in shock over losing their homes, belongings and clothes. Many of them have become under and unemployed due to this storm’s destruction.
We may not think much about the material aspects in times like these, but through our hearts, tradition is connected. Toys at Christmas are tradition. Jackson knows that kids are still kids, no matter the scenario. The holidays are still the holidays, no matter what else, because as parents, people always seem to pull it off. Well, this year, the holidays will be celebrated with a lot of little help from our friends; friends like Jackson and all of his mates at Pierce school of Boston, and the folks as far away as Florida if the spirit moves us!
While Jackson is a friend to all, and is beginning to sound a lot like Cris Kringle to me, I'm pretty sure he has no sleigh to deliver these toys from Boston to New Jersey! But, kids are resourceful. While he and his friends at school are donating all the toys, Jackson's parents are thinking about renting a U haul truck to make the trip to Monmouth County. The Sleigh will arrive in mid December to deliver all of the toys which are being donated by the good kids and people of Boston alike! Who knows how big this thing will grow by then?
I wish that I were able to do the same, but duty calls here and I cannot make the trip. However, I thought I'd share this note and reach out to anyone who may want to send a gift to the kids who otherwise, would have no presents this season in Monmouth County.
Maylee Austin is providing a contact in New Jersey and if you'd like the address to where the sleigh will arrive, email me at soulivin888@yahoo.com.
Happy Holidays!
XoX Elizabeth
Caroling for Coats