Needful Hands

For those under the clouds

Staring up in awesome wonder

As tears come slowly down

Reaching up a needful hand… ~Jars of Clay

There are many of them in the Indy area —needful hands of every race, religion, and background. There are more of them this year than ever. So many, it seems overwhelming. I’ve been working for the Salvation Army for over 8 years. I’ve never had so many people come to me directly for help. People that were volunteers or donors a year ago, are out of work, wondering where the next check will come from, and how will they give their kids a Christmas.

Yet out of this seemingly unending uncertainty, lots of hopeful stories are out there if we choose to look for them. Here are my three favorites so far:

1) On Saturday, a woman came up to me in Sullivan’s Hardware where we were broadcasting the WIBC/Salvation Army Radiothon. She had a $100 bill she wanted to donate. I thanked her and then asked if she could do me a favor. A little boy was ringing the bell next to a kettle inside the store and I asked if she would put it in his kettle. She happily complied and gave the boy a story he could tell all his friends.

2) A good friend who is Jewish called me at home to let me know his annual toy delivery would be a few days past the cutoff but before distribution. Not a problem at all!  He has given faithfully for years. It says so much about our community that a very diverse group of people come together to make sure children and families have toys and food during the holidays. 

3)At the Colts/Cowboys game Sunday, we were collecting toys with the folks from WISH-TV. A woman pulled up with a car full of toys. She told us she sold her tickets to the game (very good seats apparently) and used the money to buy toys.

There are a lot of needful hands this Christmas. This year I’m asking all the Citizens (people who follow this blog) and event the casual readers to help fill those hands. There is still time to give a toy. There is still time to donate. There is still time to make a small gesture that will have a huge impact for someone else. If you would like to fill some needful hands, please go to my Online Red Kettle.

Carry on, Citizens!