I’ve been struggling with what to reveal about this unforeseen charitable event I’ve fallen into, and some of it came after a conversation with my friend Juli after she sent me a check in the mail. I began to wonder all sorts of things about next steps. What do people expect from me after sending in money? I most certainly cannot take pictures of the kids because it’s unethical for me to post photographs of students, especially if they’re minors.
Another issue is whether or not they feel comfortable being photographed not to mention the fact that it would appear that I’m somehow getting something out of taking pictures of them and posting them. Would photographing them seem a gratuitous move?
What if they’re embarrassed receiving gifts from me and a group of people? Even Mallory suggested we show up and give them gifts on their doorstep to which I replied, “I don’t really want the recognition. I don’t need to hear a thank you.”
Then, there is the issue of getting receipts to people which I suggested in the unbelievable discourse of e-mail exchange that’s been going on lately. Many people replied that it wasn’t necessary, that they’re fine with the children getting what they need and don’t require “proof.”
In continuing my conversation with Juli on the phone, it even came up that I could have them write thank you notes and then post them online. In one regard, that could be the “receipt” for people. But forcing them to write notes just so that I could put them online would seem as if I still expected something from them in return. Yet, I’m not in charge of making people feel thankful. I can at least tell you this much: when Tiffany went shopping with my friend Carrie yesterday while I was out sick, she was very appreciative. Carrie made sure to tell me that Tiffany wanted me to know how grateful she was to be getting new clothes.
Karma is some good stuff, you know that? I knew I contacted the perfect person to take her shopping when Carrie e-mailed me to say that she found a $10 gift certificate to JCPenney that would expire this weekend. Then, when she went over the amount by about $20, Carrie kicked in and refused to let me give her more money even though I had more from donations that continue to come in the mail. Last night I got an mesage from Jean that she’s sending me a gift certificate for teacher supplies and I’m handing it right over to Carrie.
Some of things I bought with the money can be seen in a set of flickr pictures here. Other things I bought online from a Target e-card are pictured below, even though they haven’t all been delivered yet. Since I wanted them to have some choice in the matter, each one also got a $50 gift card to Target in case they wanted to purchase gifts for friends and family. Gift cards are wonderful things, aren’t they? The gas cards for Donnell will come in handy, too.
All this buying and wrapping and positive energy really is sustaining me through this nasty bug that’s knocked me on my ass the last few days. It started small and has turned into something quite phenomenal. $127 plus a lotta internet love equals a donation total that requires a comma which will provide for a student fund that will continue. It is my hope that I can highlight a student each month to help with the selling of t-shirts and coffee mugs.
Maybe it’s simple, but while I was home sick these last few days I caught an episode of Mr. Rogers that seemed to get me RIGHT HERE. My head was pounding and I needed a soothing voice while spread out on the couch surrounded by tissues and medicine. He said, “It gives people a really good feeling to share what they have. Especially when the person you’re sharing it with really loves what you give. It’s like…they really love you.”
I’ve never loved a comma so much in my life. Thank you. Merry Christmas.
For Christian:
For Donnell:
For Tiffany:
December 22, 2006 @ 4:15 am | Filed under Education, Help A Brutha Out, Nice | Permalink |
Juli Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 6:20 am
That’s beautiful - a comma!
Congrats to you on your coordination and follow-through on this thing. I hope the karma of the comma has many happy returns for you and all the souls who shared. Merry Christmas to you, Donnell, Christian and Tiffany and their families.
And I hope you are feeling better soon. See ya Sunday.
VENTL8R Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 6:52 am
That’s fantastic! You need a comma! Is your head swimming, or is it the nice happy drugs talking? You rock. I think I’ll name my child after you.
-S. Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 8:30 am
I am so glad that you started this project. A comma is a Great Thing. I never thought much about a comma before. It would be a great thing if you set up a fund. Let us know if you do. I would love to be able to send you something in the future. Sorry that I couldn’t do more this time, but things are kind of tight right now. (Holidays always are aren’t they?)
Blessings to you and yours!
-S.
Much More Than A Mom Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 9:09 am
That’s awesome. Congratulations, and thanks for helping kids!
ChicagoDave Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 9:42 am
Here’s wishing you a season and new year of “Comma Karma” Mocha! Thank you for making this season even brighter!
ChicagoDave Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 10:13 am
Oops, I forgot my main comment:
I cannot stop thinking about how appropriate it is that the total includes a comma. After all, what is the purpose and intent of a comma but to cause you to pause and reflect.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Miranda Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 11:17 am
So exciting.
I noticed the check I sent hasn’t been cashed yet, and I want to make sure it made it’s way to you ok. It should be there by now, but if not let me know and I’ll cancel the check and send you a Target e-card or something.
Take care and get better!
RWA Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 11:53 am
Well done, Mocha. I am glad that you are going to be able to help so many people at this time of year.
I wouldn’t worry about pictures of the kids or anything like that. I think most people understand and are just happy to be a part.
I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Karoli Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 12:15 pm
Congratulations on making this holiday a special one for them, and also for me (and I’m sure many others). I don’t think you need to worry about receipts, pictures and the like. I know that I consider you a trustworthy steward who will know how best to use the money, and the kids should just have a Christmas — I don’t need to see them to know that’s happened.
For me, it would just be cool to know that there are three kids out there who might turn around and do the same thing for others they see in need someday. I really do believe in that sort of thing.
Merry Christmas to you, your family, and Tiffany, Christian and Donnell!
odd time signatures » Blog Archive » Mocha Momma’s Comma Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 1:17 pm
[...] Mocha Momma’s efforts to help three really deserving kids have a wonderful Christmas have grown — this morning she reported that the total given now includes a comma. [...]
Daisy Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 2:52 pm
Mmm. Commas are amazing, aren’t they? And we’re not talking Eats, Shoots, and Leaves, either. Congrats, and good wishes to you and your deserving students! How do I know they’re deserving? Because you said so, of course.
LizRM Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 3:44 pm
I completely echo Karoli’s comment.
Thank you for doing all the work in putting this together, getting it sorted out and allocating the resources. That’s a lot of logistics and I’m sure it’s not an easy job, especially this close to Christmas when there is so much else going on. Thanks!
Jeankfl Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 5:38 pm
WOW! A comma! That’s wonderful! I know we don’t need anything but you to say the kids loved what they got and felt like someone cared. And Carrie got something she wanted for her classroom. We don’t need receipts, just the knowledge that those kids felt a little of the love we wanted to show them. We want them to know there are people and teachers that want them to have wonderful things and nice holidays…. No matter who they are or what color or what gender or how smart..just because they’re people…so they deserve something wonderful to happen to them. Thanks, Kelly, for the opportunity…for them AND for us.
QofS Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 7:17 pm
excellent work my dear. oh, and you inspired me over at the huffington post today
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erin-kotecki-vest/dear-michelle-obama_b_36990.html
Fiz Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 7:47 pm
ok- hate to say this, but can you tell some of us who’ve been pulling insane working days and have had their homes broken in to and computers stolen what exactly you’re up to? it seems like you’re collecting funds - can’t quite figure out the why or what….
email offline if you like.
hope you’re well, mochita.
RWA Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 8:49 pm
I have to confess. It took me entirely too long to figure out what the title meant - but I finally got it.
Congratulations. I hope that gives those kids a Merry Christmas.
Tracey Said,
December 22, 2006 @ 8:58 pm
You are truly an angel. To those three kids and to those of us who have been reading you. To take on a cause like this, this close to the holidays…And to have a comma!! That is absolutely wonderful.
Feel better and have a very happy holiday..
RW Said,
December 23, 2006 @ 6:23 am
I think I speak for everyone here in saying we have total confidence that you will see to it everything is put to good use and the condition of this family isn’t exploited. That all went without saying anhyhow and was a reason it was easier to give. Now… when are you coming back to Chicago with enough notice so we can do something about it?
Elizabeth Said,
December 23, 2006 @ 9:03 am
Excellent!! I’m feeling the love!
I understand what you mean about not wanting thanks or recognition. Last week, we all were out to eat and this young Marine, fresh from boot camp and in his dress uniform, came in with whom I could only assume was his mom. When our waitress came with the check, I told her that I wanted to pick up the Marine’s check, but I didn’t want her to tell him that we had done it. Obviously at some point he would know that someone had picked the check up, but we didn’t do it to get a thank you from him. We did it to show OUR thanks.
Merry Christmas!!
And, wow….Fast Eddie’s? Darlin, have you HAD their Big Elwoods?? Mmmmmm….to DIE for!!
stephen Said,
December 23, 2006 @ 10:26 am
Still waiting for that address to send the check to my dear… No worries, I will not stalk you, just wanna get in on the fun too, please. (Notice the comma there? Commas are a beautiful thing, especially when used properly. OH! There was another one!)
~(:>)
steve
Mrs RW Said,
December 23, 2006 @ 2:38 pm
Our Christmas means so much more to us this year knowing that 3 kids we don’t even know will be smiling. THAT’S what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
Lorina Said,
December 28, 2006 @ 3:24 pm
This is late but I just had to say that you are superb!
Dana Said,
December 28, 2006 @ 6:43 pm
What great stuff! You are awesome!
Mocha Momma » After All, I’m Time’s Person Of The Year Said,
December 29, 2006 @ 8:35 am
[...] Fighting over Mr. Obama (I have to call him that now. It’s not because there is a restraining order or anything. This is per Kennimus.) helped to inspire Erin aka Queen of Spain to write a letter to Mrs. Obama that prompted some interesting hoopla. She even invited me to read about it when she commented on this post. So comment I did, and though my response to her article was nothing special, I am exasperated by people who sound off about Malcolm X (why were we discussing Malcolm X when this was about Barack Obama?) when they don’t know anything about the man except what they continue to regurtitate from the ignorance that others spout. In my comment I tried to eschew a written smackdown, but I can be blatant here where the hot topics of politics and racism are, well… nonexistent at this time. But I’ll bring it up if I want to! [...]
Mocha Momma » 6 Months, 6 Words Said,
May 10, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
[...] While I feel led to do so I know that it’s not a possibility for everyone. In the past, I’ve done my own donation collecting and it felt so wonderful to be able to do something for someone else. The intrinsic rewards are [...]