I haven't really talked much about it on here, but I sponsor a family in the rural, very poor Mississippi Delta area, through an organization called The Box Project. I was matched with this family a little over 3 years ago. It is a single mom and her two daughters. The mom and I send letters back and forth, and each month I send a box of things they may need. You can read more details about the process on The Box Project's website. What I really like about it is that you really know where your donations are going, and you hear the effects it has on their family. It's not like a charity organization where you just blindly give money and never really know where it goes or what good it did. You also start to develop a friendship with the family, which they are in need of too- knowing there's someone out there that cares about them, and even hearing advice on situations they face, or help with how to better manage their money, make good decisions in life, etc. Anyway, I didn't mean to make this post sound like an ad, but I do think it is a really great program, so I will say that if you and your family are wanting to help someone in a meaningful way throughout the year (not just at Christmas, although they have that option too), you might be interested in getting matched with a family through The Box Project.
My real point in this post was just that I wanted to share the really sweet letter I received after Christmas from the family. It brightened my day, and makes me so happy that I am a part of this...
Dear Courtney,
Hey, how's everyone doing? Hope ya'll had a great Christmas. Thanks to you we did and I love you for being a nice, caring person. Just when I think nobody cares you show me that you do. So I just want to say thanks a whole lot for all that you do cause I know you don't have to. So from me and the kids thanks and love you a lot.
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5 comments:
I'm sure this makes me a horrible question - but I have to ask. I have looked at this program, and it is REALLY appealing to me. But I am worried a bit about safety. I mean, they have your home address, right? I was worried that maybe the drunk uncle, ex-husband, crazy sister might show up at my house one day to rob me or hit me up for money. I know that is terrible to think that way. Are there any safety measures?
Hi Courtney! I've been reading your blog through google reader.
The Box Project sounds like a great thing to do! I would assume neither party has each other's address? Are the packages and Thank You letters sent through the organization?
You do have the family's address, and they do have yours. I guess I never thought about them coming after me. I figured the distance would be enough to keep them from realistically being able to...being as poor as these families are, it seems unlikely that they would take an expensive road trip (a lot don't have cars or the money to pay for gas) to harm or rob me, seems they would target a random person closer to them. But, in this world you don't ever really know I guess. I know that all families that apply for having a sponsor family help them are checked and screened, I don't know how extensively they are checked though. You could certainly ask the director of the Box Project about this and she could tell you more about safety measures. Good question.
Oh, btw Veronika- Good to hear from you! I have been trying to continue reading your blog for months now and it seems to have gone to "invitation only" so I haven't been able to keep up with you. Hope all is well!
I will have to shoot you an e mail :)
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