2019 December
By a Joy Junction Staff Member (JBF)
For most of us, Christmas is a time of holiday cheer, good wishes, and gift-giving. We prepare dishes of food at home and then gather in some family or friend’s home to celebrate together. Sometimes, we may even host the event in our own home. It’s a time when special treats are baked and shared. It’s also a time when everyone smiles and offers optimistic words of encouragement for the holiday season.
Maybe a fireplace has stockings hanging from the mantel…
Maybe there’s a tree decorated with colorful lights and bulbs, or ornaments…
Maybe there’s Christmas music playing in the background…
Many of us will even share gifts with special people in our family or friend circles. Some of us go the extra mile and hand make something for a particular person. Either way, purchased or handmade gifts given means special thoughts and care were involved in the process.
Christmas brings forth a warm fuzzy feeling of being cherished by all those around us. We might even splurge in the emotion department and feel bold enough to speak friendly chatter to perfect strangers we see in the stores…
Maybe…
But what about those outside the stores who sit on the sidewalks..?
What about those without a home?
Do they feel cherished?
Unfortunately, Christmas can be a painful time of year for some. It may bring up memories to the homeless of their previous life circumstances, and they remember that they do not have a home or, for some, a family to actively experience holiday sentiments.
We feel for those who have lost so much. The homeless seem to feel their loss more deeply during the holidays. Life for them isn’t what it used to be. So, we want to provide stability, security, and comfort, as well as a joyful atmosphere, to help them celebrate Christmas.
A gift that keeps on giving – that’s what every donation sent in is. Donation gifts not only help us serve the homeless during the holiday, they make a major difference throughout the coming year. We depend on continued support of our mission to provide shelter, food, and other necessities to those who need our help on a daily basis.
Many have supported us throughout this last year, which has allowed us to make some much needed updates to our property (like renovating two old barracks into nice living quarters for single individuals – one for men and one for women). However, it’s the last month of the year and we still need your help to meet the needs of those who come to us.
Would you consider giving a year-end gift? Most of our revenue comes from the last few months of the year. That’s what carries us through the first three-fourths of the next year.
If you choose to mail in a gift, please make sure it’s postmarked by December 31st to be tax deductible this year. Also, on-line donations may be made at joyjunction.org until midnight on 12/31/19 for the 2019 tax year.
You can also call our office at 505-217-9586 to give by credit card.
Every donation is a gift that keeps on giving because it allows us to encourage and lift up the spirits of those who come to us each time we are able to offer food, supplies, and shelter. Thank you for your support!
We hope you have a blessed Christmas!
