January 07, 2010

Christmas By The Numbers

The holidays have come and gone, but the warm feeling that comes with helping others will stay with us throughout the cold winter. We'd like to share the scope of this year's holiday giving and thank everyone who played a part.

This year, Project G.R.A.C.E., with help from kids from 1 to 92, was able to make the holidays brighter for:

52 Scarborough families and 5 local group homes. That number represents 235 people.

8 local agencies, including: Connections for Kids, Long Creek Youth Development Center, Preble Street, Teen Center, Logan Place, and the Oxford Street Shelter.

500 gifts of socks, hats, mittens, slippers, personal care products were delivered to those agencies.

40 volunteers worked the week of December 14th to coordinate the effort.

75 families/groups/businesses adopted a family or individual for Christmas.

36 scones and 4 lunch entrees delivered by a long-time volunteer to all the volunteers working Christmas week.

Other items too large to calculate...

The number of blankets, towels, non-perishable food items and outerwear collected by students at Scarborough Middle School.

The number of extra toys and articles of clothing dropped off so families can "shop."

The number of hand-made Christmas tree ornaments made by Brownie Troops.

The number of hats, mittens and scarves that were lovingly created and purchased by children from the First Congregational Church and knitting groups around the area.

The number of smiles and tears that were shared by both volunteers and recipient families.

Project G.R.A.C.E. wishes you all the best for a happy and healthy new year.