Mercy for America’s Children Needs Our Support

My friend Stacy wrote this. She was Bird’s teacher for two years and left a magical touch on our family. Read on, and you’ll see why.

Each year around this time, we give thanks for our families. But do we ever stop to think about what that really means? Why are we grateful for our families? This year, I decided to take stock. I started listing the little things my husband does to show me he loves me. I think about how my life wouldn’t be the same without him. And my son – well, I don’t even know how to quantify the depth of my love for him.

I can’t imagine a world, nor do I want to, in which I don’t have these two by my side. But there is one thing in these thoughts that haunts me… what is it that the 600 children currently in the Wake County foster care system or the hundreds of thousands across the country, name as the thing for which they are most thankful? I cannot imagine what it must be like for a child to navigate through life without parents. Whom do they cry out for when they are afraid of the dark? Who kisses their boo-boos? Who fills them with joy?

I recently began to volunteer with an amazing local organization, Mercy for America’s Children (M.A.C.). It is 100% volunteer run and was started by a couple who went through the adoption process themselves. Since then, I have at least one moment a day when my heart aches for these children. It is usually when my son and I are snuggling or he lovingly glances my way. Why is it that there is no one to unconditionally love these children? And how can I help? I have been tirelessly devoting my time to raise money for and awareness about this charity, which leads me to you.

We are hosting a Christmas party for the foster children in the Wake County system and we are in need of gifts. We are trying to give them one special day for which they can be grateful. If you are able, please consider supporting M.A.C. by providing a gift or a monetary donation (all proceeds go directly to the charity). We still need a lot of donations to ensure every child gets a present for the holidays, especially the older kids, who often get left out.

When you stop by the website, visit the “Calendar of Events” page to sign up for a donation. Gifts need to be received at the charity by December 5th. Make sure you also check out the information about the “Puttin’ on the Ritz” black tie gala. It’s our major fundraising event each year, complete with silent auction and entertainment, and tickets are on sale now (discounted until January 1st)!

And, finally, don’t forget to take the time to think of what your family means to you and why you are truly thankful.

Now this is how Giving Tuesday is done, my friends. Get your help on.