The Caring Christmasens

This post is mostly for my siblings and parents so they can see what we did with the money we collected this year for Christmas. For anyone else reading this, to briefly explain... on the Christensen side of our family, we have started a new tradition of putting our money together at Christmas to help others in need. Instead of giving each other gifts, we instead send the money we would have spent on Christmas gifts for each other - and put it all together for a charity. Each year, one of us is in charge of the money and we can decide how to use that money for people in need in our area. Kendahl and I were in charge of it this year - but because I was so sick around Christmas, we weren't able to take care of it at that time. But this past weekend, we finally were able to put that money to good use. Our local food bank is always in need of donations - so I went to Sam's Club and bought groceries in the amount that everyone had contributed. And then we as a family went and delivered the groceries to the food bank. Mr Ledbetter is in charge - and was nice enough to give the kids a tour of the facility - and help them understand that there are some people in our community who aren't able to buy food for themselves. We had a great time - and it was awesome to contribute to those in need. Thanks to my family (The Caring Christmas-ens) who all contributed to the cause this year! I can't wait to see how the money will be used next year...

The kids loaded up the car with all of the food.

When we got to the Food Bank, Mr Ledbetter asked us to put it in a cart so we could easily take it all inside.

Mr Ledbetter showing the kids some of the bags of food ready to give to people in need.

The kids got to go inside of the fridge and freezer! It was neat to get a tour of the facility!

UPDATE: On March 12th, we received a very nice thank you note from Mr Ledbetter:

Jennifer Johnson and Family,
We would like to thank you and everyone in your family who were involved with the very generous donation which was made to our Food Pantry. Please express our sincere appreciation to everyone and let them know that the donation was greatly appreciated.

Also we would like to tell you how much we appreciate you bringing your whole family to tour our facility (especially the children). It is not often that we get young children who are as interested as yours and you and your husband are to be commended for this.

Many families in Houston County benefitted and food was provided to a number of families because of you and everyone involved. Thanks again and may God bless each and every one of you.

Newell Ledbetter (signature)