On Tuesday, November 23rd, almost 60 National Life employee volunteers descended on Vogel Alcove, a child care center for homeless children. For years we’ve supported this impressive organization that not only provides outstanding care to children from infants through fifth grade, but also offers services for parents like job training and social services to help families secure stable housing, food, and healthcare.
Just a few short weeks ago, we reached out to Vogel asking if we could provide a healthy, hearty meal for its staff as well as the children and families it serves. They gratefully agreed and we immediately reached out to some of our local partners including Sodexo, Hope Supply Co., Black Menswear, and Reading Partners of Dallas. Our own Jess Russo got to work recruiting amazing volunteers who assembled National Life to-go bags filled with goodies like applesauce, protein bars, toothpaste and stickers.
On Giving Tuesday, a small army of Sodexo employees arrived at Vogel with enough food to feed three hundred people. The scent of warm mashed potatoes filled the air. Turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings were set up buffet style with our employees manning the station, serving guests as they arrived. Other volunteers welcomed guests, served them seconds and drinks and then cleared their places once they ate.
Then the star of the show arrived in all his glory. Santa Claus visited children in their classrooms and in the cafeteria as they ate. Squeals of “Santa!” and little gasps of delight were heard as Santa made the rounds (ask Mark Farrell about what he knows about Santa). Some children wanted hugs. Others just wanted to make sure he was really there. During those few moments kids spent with Santa, they were just like every other child who experiences the magic and wonder of the season. The fact that the rest of their lives are unstable didn’t matter at that time.
During the evening, children, the families and the staff watched a bubble show, received balloon animals, and had the chance to get a photo with Santa. Every child walked away with a teddy bear. One little boy said quietly, “This is my favorite toy ever. I will always love it.” We realized that might be the only toy he has.
As parents began to leave, they had the chance to take a to-go bag as well as diapers, children’s books and leftover food from the meal. One mother cried because she couldn’t believe the goodwill provided to her and her kids.
The next day, Greg Brinkley, Vogel’s Chief Development Officer emailed us, “Last night was INCREDIBLE. You and your team from National Life went ABOVE and beyond. The Vogel Homecoming was such a success for our children, families, and staff. This is one of my all time favorite Vogel Alcove memories – Because of National Life!”
While National Life supports Vogel with financial support, the time spent with the staff, children and families made a memorable difference. To see kids be kids and parents and staff who have intense struggles every day relax was priceless.
All told, Sodexo prepared and volunteers provided an estimated 250 meals at Vogel Alcove and 1000 the day before Thanksgiving in Vermont.