I wanted to tell you a quick story. A few years ago we felt like we should buy an extra tree for someone who might need one, although we didn’t know where it would land. Gabe made a few phone calls, and heard about a family who had just lost the father (and main provider of the family), and was struggling to make ends meet. The holidays can be a time of great sadness and financial strain for many, as it brings about memories of loved ones or the added list of things to fit in the budget. We called this family up, and let them know we happened to have an extra Christmas tree if they wanted it. There was silence on the other end of the phone for a minute, and then an emotional response that this would help them very much. We helped load it up to deliver to very grateful arms. It was the best gift of Christmas for me that year because it reminded me how we are all connected to each other on this earth, and it is up to us to take care of each other.

Since then we have wanted to carry on this tradition with our children, so we tell them that when we find our family tree, we also will find one for someone who is really needing some hope. Last year, it was for a soldier over seas thanks to a program a local tree farm ran called Trees for Troops. Putting love into action doesn’t always come easy, but if we are looking, opportunities will present itself. When we put one simple act of love into the world, a ripple effect begins! So when you go to find that tree this year, maybe you can join us in finding a giving tree…you never know who might be need this simple sign of hope.

Thank you for being here! We appreciate each of you!

Gabe, Anna, Gabriel, Veronica, Max, Rocco, and Azelie

“Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. ” – J.R. Tolkien