My Nonprofit Reviews

I have provided live music for the C.O.O.P. Foundations Holiday Event off and on for many years now. I am always touched by what I see. Even from a distance, I can feel the excitement and anxieties of the families who wait for their turn to visit with Santa. They seem reluctant to believe that goodness and giving are sincere. There are tears of joy, not only from those receiving gifts that include basic needs such as clothes and small appliances, but also from the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to accomplish the massive task of tracking down the special requests and gifts, those who spent hours and hours wrapping, the folks who fill plates of food, the runners, the supervisors, and even the musicians. One year I watched as a three year old clung to Santa's leg as he tried to walk inside for a well deserved break! The child had not been invited but had seen the event while walking by with her Grandmother. She tried all morning to get to Santa. She had been carried off the stage numerous times, redirected to make music with me, and fed. Panicked that Santa was leaving the scene, she adhered herself to him. Her determination was admirable. Santa reached down and gathered her up. She whispered in his ear and asked for a bike.She hugged Santa with the biggest hug imaginable and did not want to ever let go! A volunteer watching this, drove to a near-by store and purchased a new bike. There was not a dry eye as she finally earned a trip to Santa's lap and the "elves" presented a shiny new bike! I will always cherish this memory; it is Christmas for me.

More Feedback