By. Jenna Johnson
The holiday season seems to be that time of year when people are even more inspired to spread joy. They look for another way to give from the heart. Here at Moose Charities, I have seen no shortage of generosity and kindness, especially as of late. I’ve taken many calls regarding Christmas at Mooseheart and Moosehaven. These calls are from individuals who are hoping to gather toys that are on the kids’ Christmas lists or to make monetary donations that will benefit each community’s Christmas budget. Recently, Gary Urwiler, the Executive Director of Mooseheart, told me, “Mooseheart has been blessed beyond what we could ask for at this point, yet we are still seeing heartwarming acts of generosity.”
I recently took a call that made a big impression on me. A member called inquiring how he could go about making a monetary donation to the Mooseheart Christmas fund for this year. After explaining that a special note on the donation form indicating his wishes was all that was needed, the donor moved forward with a very generous donation over the phone with me. While filling out the donation form for him, the man began to tell me why he wanted to make the specific donation in the first place. He told me that every year at their local lodge, his wife would always enjoy helping with the fundraising they did for the Mooseheart kids for Christmas. He then informed me she passed away last year, and that he thought this donation would be a good way to honor her and her passion for giving. I, of course, could not agree more. What a beautiful way to honor his loved one’s spirit and the things she enjoyed. I am always grateful and impacted by the kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity of our donors, but I was so touched by this particular donor and how he turned his loss into such a meaningful gift for the children at Mooseheart.
I am blessed to be able to work in an environment where I can see such generosity first hand, and see how it is exemplified during this holiday season of giving that greatly benefits our Moose communities. Merry Christmas and warm wishes to you and yours.
