WHERE THIS ALL BEGAN...

Our foundation began out of poverty… my own. 

I love Christmas. I love Christmas trees. I love having my family all gathered together. I love giving gifts, the kind you put time and thought into, that you know will bring a smile of delight. 

Many years ago, I was a single parent with a very low paying job. It was a struggle just to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. I would save my meager tax return every year, as much of it as I could, so that I could afford presents for birthdays and Christmas.

But one particular Christmas, having a few unexpected struggles earlier in the year, I found myself with little more than $100 for the holiday. Enough to buy a few things for my child, but not all the rest of my family. I was horribly depressed. 

I approached my family and asked them how they felt about not giving each other gifts that year, and instead, pool our money together to give Christmas to an unknown family in need. They agreed. 

And so it began. 

I contacted a local battered women's shelter and asked them for information on a family we could help. They provided a list of clothing sizes, interests and ideas for 3 children and their mother. I went to work bargain shopping. And we helped the entire family. 

Over the years, the project has evolved. The second year, we took on 4 kids from 2 separate families. The following year, it was 6 kids. Then one year when I called, the shelter manager hesitated over the phone and suggested maybe I pick just a couple families. When I questioned why, she told me they had 11 children in residence! I hesitated… could my family pull this off for 11 children using the same amount of money? Knowing that the children open presents in the same communal room on Christmas morning, choosing only a few children seemed too unfair. And how do I possibly pick one child over another? So with blind faith, I literally threw my hands in the air and said I'll take them all and somehow, God will just make this work.

He did. 

Several friends joined in that year to help. One friend made the suggestion that I create a way for people to donate to the cause. It made sense. The project had grown. This was no longer about me. It's about a group of children. Children who are currently homeless. Children who have no toys. Children who have nothing of their own. 

So I made this website. I wanted anyone who is kind enough to help, to understand exactly where their money goes and what they are helping to accomplish. 

Thank you!!

Elizabeth (Lisa) Best