Even a little gift can lead to bigger rewards. United Way is sponsoring a toy drive this holiday season to help disadvantaged youth who may otherwise not receive any gifts.   Although it may seem like a small, thing, it can actually be a part of something much larger in a individual’s life. As this story from United Way partner Samaritan House‘s newsletter illustrates, a simple act of generosity resonated for a long time.

Camila, a radiantly cheerful 21-year-old Samaritan House volunteer, vividly remembers the Holiday Season when she was 7 and Family Sharing volunteers brought toys and gifts to her home. Her parents had contacted Samaritan House because they were having tough times. Her father’s pay from his gas station job was stretched to the limit to
provide for his young family, which also included Camila’s brother, Eric, 8, and sister Cecilia, 6. Camila’s mother couldn’t add much income because Eric had cerebral palsy and needed most of her attention. This meant that as the Holiday Season approached, there were no extra dollars to provide the children with toys or a festive meal.

That’s when Samaritan House stepped in. As Camila remembers, “I was surprised to hear a knock on the door, and when we opened it, three people were there with a cooked turkey, groceries, and bags of presents! I was so excited!”Camila says, “I’m saving the Christmas doll they gave me. It’s beautiful with brown hair and two changes of outfits. Most of all I loved the educational toys. I tested myself with the flash cards and played the learning games. Maybe that’s why today I still love learning.”

Now a student at the College of San Mateo, Camila studies English, Astronomy, Chemistry, and Yoga. After classes, twice weekly, she volunteers at the Samaritan House Free Medical Clinic of San Mateo. Her brother and sister are doing well, and Camila says the family has kept grateful memories of that special Holiday and of Samaritan House helping throughout the year with food, clothing, and rental assistance. This year Camila will also bring her special Holiday memories to a job volunteering for the Samaritan House Holiday Program.

She says, “I want to give back. I’m grown up now, and I want other children to experience a great Holiday through Samaritan House!”

Find out how easy it is to help  a child in the Bay Area receive a gift this holiday season.