Christmas usually conjures up images of making a list and checking it twice; children dreaming of toys and wishes and joyful celebration at finding those gifts under the tree. While many of us look forward to the gifts and cheer of Christmas, guests at the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House are facing the daily struggle of finding their next warm meal and safe place to sleep. Their needs are met through the kindness of the staff at the house and the generosity of the community supporting their efforts. O’Gorman aims to provide guests with a little extra holiday cheer through the annual Bishop Dudley Hospitality House Advent Project.
Staff and students will fill 240 Christmas stockings for 200 adults and 40 children as well as larger boxes full of groceries, gift cards, household items and other basic necessities. Madeline Shields, Executive Director of the BDHH, shares that many of their guests have been estranged from their families and the holidays can be a really challenging time. They feel isolated and struggle with the reality that they currently have to rely on others for everything. She states that “when they get stockings full of gifts that are specifically for them, it has a huge impact because they know somebody cares about them and they have things that are just for them and they don’t have to ask for it.”
The stockings are handed out to residents when they check in on Christmas Eve night. Ms. Shields shares that on a typical night when guests check in, they go straight to their bunk to go to sleep. But on Christmas Eve, residents will spread out in the lobby and hallways and sit down to immediately go through their stockings. She said they are childlike in opening their gifts and the joy is evident on their faces. Ms. Shields states that the most loved items are the socks and hygiene items as well as the gift cards to be able to get a treat at McDonalds or somewhere else around town. The smallest items can make such a big impact for those who are feeling alone, scared and helpless this Christmas.
So check the list twice and help fill those stockings and advisory boxes. Any donation you can make will help spread the Christmas spirit and help bring comfort and security to those in need.
