I have been amazed at the generosity of the Marysville community this month. As a reporter, it has been a pleasure to share the stories of many wonderful outreach projects that took place in Union County this season.
Cards From Christ, a Marysville group that collects cards for incarcerated individuals throughout Ohio and other parts of the U.S., gathered more than 100,000 cards.
The Ostavitz family, with the help of other residents, collected about 800 toys to deliver to the Ronald McDonald House in Columbus.
The Care Train distributed nearly $236,000 in food vouchers to Union County families, children, senior citizens, and disabled adults. This year, Care Train is supporting 302 families, 335 senior citizens and 54 disabled individuals in Union County. In addition, 526 children were adopted by community members to receive gifts for the holidays this year.
With the help of donors and volunteers, the Hope Center served more than 400 families in Union County with its Christmas Store.
I also believe I am called to serve those less fortunate than me, especially at Christmas time. I joined my church community in supporting Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, the Women’s Care Center in Columbus and Cards From Christ.
Of the five love languages Dr. Gary Chapman describes in his 1992 book, gift giving and words of affirmation are the ways I show love best.
I write dozens of Christmas cards every year, with a specific message for each recipient until my hand cramps and is stained black and blue with ink. Then, I dip my “have yourself a merry little Christmas” stamp into a pad of black ink and press the rubber down onto the back of each envelope. I seal each envelope with tape, address them and add postage stamps before dropping them in the outgoing mail slot. It takes hours to prepare them, but it is a labor of love.
Giving unique, thoughtful gifts to my friends and family members for birthdays and holidays is how I demonstrate my affection. Although it may look like “stuff,” the items are hand-selected to represent my appreciation for the recipients. It fills my heart with joy to watch my loved ones open their respective gifts and see how I’ve intentionally crafted each present based on their interests or a moment we shared. A keychain alarm system and winter apparel to keep my friend safe and warm as she serves the homeless population as a street medicine nurse. A travel journal for the friend who takes multiple trips every year. An attachable book light, book store gift card and bookmark for the friend who has read over 70 books this year. A personalized bridal hanger for my newly engaged sister.
Gift giving is materialistic in nature, but the process is also an emotional experience of connection and sentimentality for me. It is through giving that I receive.
I hope the gifts you receive this holiday season remind you how deeply cherished you are and the gifts you give speak from your heart.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all who celebrate!
-Ally Lanasa is a reporter for the Journal-Tribune.