Each winter, we “adopt” a local family whose holidays might otherwise pass quietly.
Here at CraftWork, we’ve long believed that community is not a noun but a verb - something you do. Each winter, through The Presents Project, we “adopt” a local family whose holiday, without a bit of help, might pass without the small, dignified gestures that make this time of year what it is. This week, we received the names of our family: five people, five sets of hopes and practical needs that, when read together, feel like a snapshot of an ordinary life.
There’s Samuel, 51, who asks for work boots and a rain jacket - tools, in their way, of endurance. Marcelina, 52, who would like a blender, walking shoes, and a bedspread for her bed. Their daughters: Areli, 20, who hopes for makeup, a saucepan, and a black fur jacket; Kimberly, 11, who dreams of a soccer ball, a Barbie, and a kit for making friendship bracelets; and Keri, 5, who wants coloring books, Bluey tennis shoes, and a scooter.
Participation is simple - choose a gift, label it clearly, and leave it with Kayla. Before purchasing a gift, please check in with us to see if it has already been fulfilled - the list will be up on the black closet door by Kayla’s desk. If it hasn’t, then it’s all yours to bring joy to our family. This December, we’ll give what’s asked for - and maybe a little more. A small act, yes, but one that, in its way, restores the season to what it’s meant to be: not a performance of giving, but a practice of kindness.
How to Participate:
Check in with Kyla to see if the gift has already been purchased.
Buy the gift and leave it with Kayla.
Join us at the final happy hour on December 11th to wrap the gifts together.
After that, we’ll take care of delivering them to their next stop, ready to bring joy to our adopted family.