Christmas at Sheltering Wings
Join me for a conversation with Paige Vanzo, our Donor and Engagement Director here at Sheltering Wings. We were just talking about how fun it is to see the children in shelter getting excited for the holidays. I looked into the children’s learning center and I saw them gluing together red and green paper chains to decorate the hallway.
Paige: I heard them singing Christmas carols in the kitchen. I can’t wait for next week, to see
them jump up and down as Santa pulls up on a firetruck.
Cassie: I’ll never forget the night Santa came and one mom put her sleeping infant against
Santa’s chest. This little one snuggled right up to him and stayed asleep. It was a visual reminder
of the safety, security and peace we strive to provide for families. Santa was just the added
bonus.
There is so much joy, but we know even up until the day of the Christmas party here and through
the holidays we’ll be bringing people in who aren’t safe at home. The stark contrast breaks my
heart every year. What might Christmas have been like if these children – if these families – were
still facing domestic abuse.
Paige: It’s why we’re so grateful for you. It’s your heart for our work and the people we serve
that make it possible to help. You are a blessing to so many. You make holiday joy possible.
Every Christmas, you step up to bring gifts and food and supplies families need to build safety. You volunteer to help our families build stability. And you give financially to ensure our families build independence.
If you’ve made a gift this season, thank you so much. We want to personally let you know how
much it means. You’re seeding hope for families like Samantha and her little boy who we
mentioned in the letter we sent out. She chose to escape and rebuild a safe life for her little one.
Cassie: If you still want to give or know someone who would like to bless our mission
financially, now is a great time of year to do so. Thanks to Cindy Bailey and Bailey Trucking,
your gift will be doubled. All gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $20,000 from now until the
end of the year.
Paige: Many of you have also so thoughtfully asked me about giving via stock, your retirement
account distributions or a donor advised fund. These are all important gifts for our mission and
I’m happy to talk with you about them if you give me a call. There’s also information on our
website under “ways to give”
Cassie: However you choose to give or to stay involved, know that you provide hope and joy to families this Christmas. Visit Shelteringwings.org/Christmas to learn about ways to get involved.
We are so grateful for you this time of year – and all year long. We’re praying for your family to have a joyous Christmas season.
With gratitude,
Cassie Mecklenburg
Executive Director
