New things I learned over Christmas
For the last several years, the Girls High School Robotics Team that I mentor and coach has volunteered to work at the local Toys For Tots - Toy Giveaway just before Christmas. Children and families are screened through a variety of local organizations to receive the privilege of attending the giveaway which they are given one toy, a few minutes with a pretend Santa and access to some games & music. Plus they get to see High School Robots in action. This year I was asked to be a Santa for the toy give away verses the usual runner/grown up adult jobs I normally have. As a result I learned a few things I didn't know before.
- There are no instructions on how to put on a Santa suit and there is only one size to pick from. There is no training class on how to be Santa. But the fact is the suit will fit if you wear it. I know this because dozens of kids believed I was Santa, moments after I started.
- You don't have to say much to be Santa. Kids just seem to want to hear "Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas" and then they tell you want they want for Christmas. I tried saying more but that wasn't important to the kids.
- Sometimes the families seem to have their priorities wrong. The adults have new iPhones, shoes, purses and yet they are asking for a free toy for their children. But those are my priorities and my priorities are only useful for me. I quickly came to ignore my priorities and respect the kids & their families as people trying to live in America.
- The beard is scratchy and tugs on your ears in a painful way. Some of the kids are really big and its painful when they jump up on your lap. Funny thing is I only thought about those things after my time was up.
- Its hard to say to kid who just wants pants for Christmas that we only have toys. I really had to work on this one kid who just wanted pants. He was wearing some goofy looking sweatpants that must have been through many kids. We finally found him a coloring book and 64 pack of crayons which he clutched like it was the National Treasure, unfortunately it was only one of a few we had.
- I am sorry to report that the Toys we in the privileged world give to the Toys for Tots collections are typically junk. Mainly Barbies and StarWars bobble heads. My Educator wife, Dr. Simpson, tells me these kids will start Kindergarten 3 years behind our kids. By the time they reach High School they will probably be even farther behind our kids. Don't get me wrong the kids receiving these toys really liked them but books, coloring books, crayons, puzzles, even simple sports equipment like balls would have made more than a few hours of impact. As I saw from the kid who just wanted pants, coloring books and crayons can be unexpectedly joyful as well.
- Kids that are 10-14 years old need Christmas presents too. We had a few makeup kits, or purses but almost nothing else. None of which helped the kid along. We had almost no sports equipment for this age group. Most were glad to get something but it wasn't much. Most were happy just to see their younger siblings or relatives get something that made them happy.
Conclusions -
If you get a chance to wear the Santa suit at one of these events - trust me it fits and you won't need training.
Next year think a little longer about the Toys you put in the Toys for Tots containers. I know I will. Make it more than just a check box but something you would want your kids to have when they were 2-14. I don't think I looked at it like this when I put things in the bin. I don't think its a matter of cost, crayons and barbies cost about the same - its more a matter of respect. It's only a few minutes.
Thanks for thinking about this - Happy New Year
Retired, formerly V.P. & Managing Director at SONIFI Solutions (Canada) Inc. (formerly called LodgeNet Interactive (Canada))until May 2017
8 年David, thank you for sharing your insight and experience. I may never be asked to be the Santa, but I will give more thoughtful gifts for needy children.
Director of Engineering at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis
8 年David, thanks for trying not to put your priorities on these families. The simple act of giving graciously not only makes the kids Christmas a little happier, but it also gives them an example of an adult giving something with no expectation of anything in return. This might seem like a simple lesson, but it will stick with them for a lifetime.
I fix broken treadmills and repair gym equipment. I keep treadmills and gym equipment running. I assess treadmills and gym equipment letting you know to repair or replace.
8 年Well said David A. Simpson.
Head of Global Hospitality @ Ruckus Networks, driving global expansion and partnerships.
8 年Thoughtful perspective David, as well good preparation for next years holidays. In a related note, my wife has what they call an 'angel tree' at her work. It is a Xmas tree decorated with tags containing gender and age of kids in need of a holiday gift. We typically grab 4-5 per year, buying presents that fit the tags. Every year we ensure to grab a mix of all ages, including at least a couple of the 11-14 year olds. It's important to us that we focus on all ages, as often the older kids often get left behind. Everyone should get some joy during the holidays.