Early Christmas

Christmas came early this year. For just a few minutes a group of my friends and I became Santa Claus.  But . . .  we received the best gift of all, the joy of giving!

Our golf club, Suntree Country Club (SCC) had an “Angel Tree” this year and I was asked to organize it. 

 I knew it would be a heartwarming experience, so I gladly took it on. 

 When I first received the cards to put on the tree, I was touched by the number of children who wanted a bike for Christmas. Memories of my own first bike, and of giving a bike to my own children came flooding back. I had to take on this part of the “Angel Tree” and make sure each and every one of those children received a bike for Christmas. 

The first thing I did was send out a challenge to all my dear friends at SCC. Here is what my challenge said. 

" Dear Suntree Friends, I just received the Angel cards, and I was reading what the children were requesting.  Out of 30 cards, there were 13 that included a bike on their wish list.   

This made me think about when I was young and how much I loved my bike. It gave me confidence and freedom.  One of the best gifts (and biggest thrill) we ever gave our children was their first bike.   

I am reaching out to you in hopes you will support me on a quest to fulfill the request to get all 13 children a bike.  Sorry, I am tearing up just writing this request.     

I have already ordered a bike for an eleven-year-old girl and it will be delivered to me in a few days.   

Are you in?   

Visit the Angel tree in the foyer of Suntree Country Club or let me know you will take on providing a bike to one of the remaining 12 children. I will take one of the cards off the tree and send you the information.     

Cheers from your tearful friend,  Brenda Hyde"

 IN ONLY 4 HOURS ALL THE BIKES WERE TAKEN. In only 2 days, all the other children on the Angel Tree were taken as well. I asked the Salvation Army for more cards and I had 5 more bikes included. Those were also "taken" before I even had the cards in my hands. 

 Today we delivered all the gifts and 18 bikes to the Salvation Army. 

 Unless you have done this before, there is no way I can tell you how good it felt to drive up to the warehouse and unload all the bikes, toys and other gifts. IT WAS AMAZING. 

 They say you get more than you give when you do something for someone else and that is DEFINITELY true. We all received a wonderful gift today, the feeling of doing something to give joy to a child.

Our 8 SUV’s were packed to the rim. Bikes where stacked carefully with padding. Everyone worked together to make sure the names were secure on the gifts 

And then we caravanned to the warehouse. 

 I know I have said it before, but it can never be said too often. My friends at Suntree are the most wonderful and giving people. Hubby D and I are so very blessed to be living here surrounded by these great people.

Happy Holidays to all of you and I sincerely hope you have as wonderful a Christmas as we had today! Cheers, Brenda Hyde