Christmas in April is a national organization that helps the poor, the elderly, and others who can’t help themselves or maintain their homes. I’ve worked with them through St. Matthews since I was young. Charity is an important value to install in a person’s life. Donating money is always appreciated, and I urge people to do that to help purchase supplies, and you also have the opportunity with Christmas in April to meet the people who need help and to help them “hands on”.
On April 20th my son James and I worked with other volunteers at the Christmas in April warehouse to ensure that all 83 houses that were being worked on in Prince George’s County the next week had all of the building supplies necessary to do the planned repairs. It was James first year helping and I think he learned a lot from getting involved.
On April 27th, me and both my sons, James and Connor, were on hand at a home in Suitland to work with the Prince George’s County Bar Association, Maryland Park and Planning, and the County Executive’s Office to perform carpentry repairs, install doors & appliances, as well as dig out a rocky garden, mulch, and repair fencing. Connor has been involved for years. The result was a beautiful yard and a home that was in much better repair than before. In addition to thanking everyone from the County and other volunteers who helped make such a direct impact in the lives of our Prince George’s County neighbors I wanted to observe with pride that my sons worked as hard as I’ve ever seen them, cooperatively & together, and together felt an appreciation for helping others.
Charity is not just for the needy. It makes us all better people.
