Kindness... Pass it on.

Today is Valentine's Day...Which automatically causes us to think of: chocolates, flowers, and sharing heartfelt expressions from, well...our hearts! 

But, did you also know that it is:  

Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week?

Yep. And here at the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI) we are no strangers to kindness. We see it every day from every corner of our community. It is contagious and inspirational. It keeps our staff going and then, in turn, is passed on to the children, youth and families we serve. These benefits ripple out from the lives of individual women, men, girls, and boys to their families, their neighborhoods, the community... and ultimately, to the entire world. 

Each and every one of us has the ability to change the world by touching lives through acts of kindness. And when we see these acts or hear stories about the positive things others are doing, we become more aware of the opportunities we have to make a difference for the people around us. Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) week is an opportunity for each of us to reflect upon and stimulate even more kindness in our lives. So, whether it's at CCFI, in your home, workplace, neighborhood, or even at the grocery store we hope you will continue to pass it on. 

More about Random Act of Kindness Week »

Veteran Raises Resources for Local Families

Johnnie Mitchell, a Vietnam Veteran, continues tradition with a successful second annual “For the Children” diaper drive during December 

Jeannie Parker, Johnnie Mitchell and Martha Lewis with diaper drive donations.

As a resident in the Norman Veterans Center, Johnnie Mitchell began looking for ways to make a positive impact two years ago. Upon hearing about the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI) diaper drive opportunity he knew how he wanted to make a difference.

“I am a parent and I remember(ed) how difficult it was for my family to have a good supply of diapers,” said Mitchell. “With the economy the way it is, I figured this is something that people really need this time of year.”

'For the Children' Display at NVC

With the help of fellow Veterans, staff members and visitors to the Norman Veterans Center, Johnnie’s ‘For the Children’ diaper drive resulted in more than 1,400 diapers for CCFI’s diaper closet, which is open to the public.

“Everyone thinks of food, clothes and toys during the holidays, but diapers just aren’t brought up enough,” he said. “I am more than happy to help and very proud of the teamwork to make this happen.”

This is the second year Johnnie has coordinated the ‘For the Children’ Diaper Drive and says he is constantly thinking of ways to increase donations and keep the tradition going.Click here to read about the first 'For the Children' Diaper Drive.

Falalalalalalala!

Holiday Gifting Program 2010 

Some of the Holiday Helpers!

During the holidays at CCFI we have a Holiday Gifting Program for families in our services. This year nearly 300 children were provided with presents to unwrap due to the outpouring of support from local businesses and residents from throughout Cleveland County and the surrounding areas.
 
As the donations and presents began to pile up, we began recruiting elves and holiday helpers to get all the gifts packed and ready for our program staff to deliver.

With much gratitude, all of us at CCFI, and especially the children and families that we serve, thank you for your support and for making a difference during this holiday season.
    

How your gifts made a difference...  

Staff members shared many quotes and stories from the children and families who received gifts this holiday season. Below are some excerpts:

Lead Holiday Helper, Kristi!

 

Before delivering the gifts to her home, we learned that one young single mother had just recently lost her job and was really concerned about being able to purchase gifts for her children. When we carried the gifts up to her apartment and she saw the bags full of beautiful gifts for her four children, she got misty-eyed as she hugged us and said "I can't wait to see their faces light up on Christmas morning... I was so afraid I was going to miss that this year."

One particular grandma, whose raising her 6yr old son alone, on a single income got teary eyed as we gave her the gifts saying “you don’t know how much this mean’s to me.”.

One mom said, I’m so appreciative that you guys are doing this, you don’t know how much this means to me!

A single mother who is a full-time student was overwhelmed with joy when presents for her middle school age daughter arrived.  She had recently been hospitalized and had not been able to purchase Christmas presents. She stated that she was “so thankful for everything” and that her daughter would all the gifts.

Katie and a few Holiday donors!

"Six months ago a dad of some kids in my program lost his job. He was really unsure and worried about being able to give his children gifts this season. He was incredibly grateful and told us over and over again how much it meant to him as a father. I think he was relieved that his children's holidays were going to be happy."

 

“Is all that for us?”

 

"A mom struggling to make ends meet told us that we made her wishes come true because it is really hard to buy the things her children want during the holidays. She told us there wasn't any more stress and she could now enjoy Christmas."

Thank you to all our holiday gift donors, helpers, and volunteers for helping make this holiday special for the children and families we serve!