Gifts that really DO make a difference

By Ellen Rudy

On December 18th, The Hayden Group, in lieu of our traditional Holiday party, brought Synergos invitees together to volunteer at The Family Giving Tree . This amazing organization connects needy children with gift givers who actually match the child’s wish with the gift (when was the last time you got something you really wanted?). At FGT, volunteers sort, wrap and crate up thousands of gifts. But it’s not the thousands—Barbies, basketballs, sweaters, DVDs-- that make such an impression. Each gift has the child’s name and age and what he or she asked for. With every gift you tag, or wrap, or sort, you feel a personal connection to the child at the other end, as well as to the very generous people who made that child’s wish come true. A truly moving experience. Despite these terrible economic times, thousands of children WILL have a Merry Christmas. I am still smiling as I write this…..

We hope to go back next year (one of our guests has already been back 2 times!)—and hope that even more of you can join us. It really IS better to give than to receive.

"I had such a great time Thursday,,that I showed up Friday at 10:00 and left around 1:30 barely stopping to catch my breath and loved every minute. They are truly a well-oiled machine as far as volunteers go--Friday morning they had about 200-300 volunteers from about 20 different companies (and that was just one of four shifts that day)! Again, thanks for letting us know of and be part of such a great organization."

gregory case
gregory case photography
www.gregorycase.com