Standing in Line

Today, I spent an hour in a line. I went to a mall to pick up toys. Ah, you think, those mall lines are full of pushy people trying to get the last "great" gift from the neatest store possible. Maybe, I was standing with Ruth to see Santa. Oh, if only Santa were at this mall.



You see, I do not think every one knows what I do for a living. I work for Head Start. The link brings you to Wikipedia, which I do not always use as a source, but this one seemed to be a good summary. The 10 families I work with have a child under 3 years of age. Needless to say, there is NEED in these families. One mom I work with is a survivor of domestic violence, which has left her to be a single mother to 2 babies under 18 months old. She is without a vehicle, and her only source of childcare backed out on her today, when she needed to go to this mall for her children's toys.

Hmm, sounds like maybe she should just go to the local discount store, huh? Well, let me tell you, the mall was the pick up site for toy distribution (similar program as Toys for Tots). I referred this mom, as well as several others, for this service. I did not know how else to help this mom. by policy, I am not allowed to drive her, with or without the kids, anywhere. She doesn't have family or other friends to help. What can I do? Yep, I went to the mall.


Ah, this mall is quite small. I recall bringing the boys there to see Santa. We would glance at the jewelry in the windows of one shop. We bought green apple jelly beans. We would poke around the Hallmark store, where I could often purchase little trinkets. Then, we could stop for a cup of cocoa at the restaurant. These trips might include a bookstore or electronic shop. The arcade is where Darrell and I brought Nate on our first date.

Guess what!?! Not one of these stores remains open. There was a dollar store, vitamin store, and a nail salon. And a line that snaked its way through the common area. I watched the folks, wondering about their stories. I knew, from past experience, that the toys offered were not of quality. I bet we could purchase the same toys at the big discount store for the kids on my list for about $30.00. Yet, people were in line. And, I heard that this was half the length it was earlier. I stood there contemplating how hard it must be for these folks. There was no joy. Though, I have to say that the kids in line were well behaved, and I stepped on many a Cheerio. There was a security guard handing out stuffed animals. They were from the dollar store. Dismal was how I found this line. No pushing and shoving to get the best. Mostly just a calm acceptance that this is how Santa can get to their house this year.

Oh, and the mom that I helped today...
the garbage bag of little things brought a huge smile to her face!

This brought one to mine:

Well, I saw Santa sneak a little bag of goodies for mom in with the kids things. Not much, just some dollar store stuff, but still, after standing in that sad line, it felt good to know that mom will have a little surprise under the tree meant just for her. :)