Truly a blessing

Friday, Nov. 20, 2009

I am a nurse at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. Recently I posted a few fliers around the facility about the shoebox drive sponsored by Operation Christmas Child in hopes an employee or two may notice them and lend a hand.

Operation Christmas Child is a wonderful organization that collects shoeboxes filled with toys each year. Boxes are then shipped all over the world to underprivileged children who, in some cases, may be receiving their only Christmas gift. I got a call from the director of housekeeping and laundry at the facility who said that she "challenged" her employees to get involved in the project.

I proudly took 17 shoeboxes to my church to send with the others, donated by the housekeepers of the veterans home. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. These folks are an example of what Christmas is all about: Taking a look at how God has blessed you this year and in turn giving back to those in need.

I am grateful to work with such a fine group of people at the vets home. They are all truly a blessing both to the facility and to me.

Rachael DiPardo, Colonial Beach, Va.