Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Igniting Northwest Arkansas


In keeping with the theme of giving this week, I wanted to share a very special assignment my co-workers and I have been given the past two years.

Our amazing leaders at Mitchell Communications Group divided us into teams, gave us an envelope of cash and challenged us to Ignite our community. Here’s a little more about it.


After a quick brainstorm, we reached out to LifeSource International, a local non-profit organization, to help guide us in the direction of a family especially in need this holiday season.


We briefly spoke with the family and let them know a little bit about what we were doing. We asked them if they would be free to meet us later that afternoon. They accepted, so we were off to shop!

First, we set off to fill a shopping cart with basic essentials and items they would enjoy over the holidays.


We also picked up a few gas cards and gift cards.


After our shopping cart was fully loaded, we were ready to check out!


We excitedly unloaded the groceries and were thrilled with our purchases.


While we were shopping, we had also been coordinating with a local restaurant,The Front Porch Family Diner, to have their Thanksgiving meal catered. I am so thrilled because I get to deliver their dinner to their home Wednesday evening.


It was finally time to meet the family. We introduced ourselves and hugged a lot. We handed over the gas cards and gift cards. Then we loaded her entire trunk up with groceries.


It was so neat to see her trunk full. In fact, we had to put a few things in the back seat of her car that didn't fit in the trunk.


After that, we surprised her by telling her she didn’t have to worry about preparing a Thanksgiving meal. We told her we had it all taken care of and would be delivering it Wednesday evening. Tears filled her eyes as she kept thanking us.

I know we were able to make a huge impact on her life that day. But I took away so much, too. I know my entire team did. It was such an incredible and emotional day. It meant so much to me to be able to do something as powerful as this. I am incredibly thankful for this experience. It reminds me that whether it’s big or small, giving back to others and to your community is so important and provides so much for both the receiver and the giver.

Luke 12:48:

From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Christi

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

"When you're a giver, it's such a priceless thing to experience."

I love that quote from the Ignite video - it's so true. You cannot out-give God. It's always amazing to me how He fills us with such joy from giving!

God bless the leaders at Mitchell for being such cheerful givers! I bet you had the time of your life blessing this family, Christi. What a fantastic opportunity!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience & beautiful photos. You just delighted my heart :)

Many blessings to the family y'all are serving and to your precious family as well this Thanksgiving!

Christi's Chirps said...

Hi, Ally! It truly was such an amazing thing to be apart of! We had six teams and were able to do so much across our community! So blessed to work for a company that does this sort of thing!

Happy, happy Thanksgiving, Ally! May your holiday be filled with blessings as well!

GO Hogs! GO Bulldogs! :)

Love,
Christi

amy (fearless homemaker) said...

what a wonderful experience you were able to be part of, + how exciting that you're delivering their thanksgiving dinner! i agree that when you volunteer, you get just as much out of it as the receivers do. it's a wonderful thing that you + your team did for that family. have a wonderful thanksgiving!

ms.composure said...

aw loving this post!!

infinitelifefintess.com

http://mscomposure.blogspot.com/

The Dolans said...

Hi Christi!! It has been a very long time (I guess about a year since our baby boy is almost one), but I used to get my tail kicked by your sweet hubby:) I stumbled on your blog tonight from one of my very dearest friends, Sarah (Saved by Fashion). I hope you both are doing well including that cute little dog. I can't wait to dive into your blog! I hear you have some fabulous recipes!!

Ali

Christi's Chirps said...

Hi, Ali! So wonderful to hear from you! I appreciate you checking out my blog.

You blog is so darling! I sent Mitchell the link so he can see precious little Miller. :) He is just so, so cute! What a joy I am sure he is!

Mitchell says hello and that he misses seeing you!

Thanks again for visiting! Talk to you soon!
xo,
Christi

Danielle Brewer said...

Chris, you have ALWAYS been such a giver! From the very first time I met you. It's always been one of the many things I love about you. I remember something very specific you always said, "what's the point of having anything if you don't have anyone to share it with"