Just before the 2017 Christmas holiday, Clayton & McCulloh spent time playing Santa to a truly amazing class of children in need at Howard Middle School in downtown Orlando. We have sponsored this class at Howard Middle for the past few years, but have never had such a large call to arms within our Clayton & McCulloh community. This year’s class doubled in both size and need which brought forth our larger response. Over the course of 2017, we managed to stock up supplies to provide enough stockings, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant for each of the 74 students. In addition, we were able to supply the classroom with general school supplies including paper, pencils, assorted snacks (and more candy than any child could want) to help these kids get through the day. 

In addition to the general supplies we provide, each child gives us a small Christmas list for “Santa” containing a few items of choice. These kids are truly deserving of our sponsorship, not only because of the hardships that they live through all year, but also because of what we find on their Christmas lists. Their lists range from the normal things a class of middle school children would want: footballs, basketballs, board games, headphones, toys, etc. However, the lists also include things that aren’t typical of your average child. Many of the 3-4 small items listed are up to half filled with abnormal things like socks, grocery store gift cards, roses, #1 Mom or Dad mugs, baby toys… etc. These kids are not just asking for their own joy, but in reality, want to help their family buy groceries, show appreciation to their parents, and even provide gifts for their siblings. These kids truly appreciate everything that we do to help, not only in making their Christmas dreams come true, but also the dreams of their families.

This year was no exception in creating heartfelt moments that arise within the sponsorship of this class and it is truly humbling to be involved in this program again this year. It is always warming to learn how special and important our contributions are to these kids and their families. We take on this sponsorship as yet another way we embody our motto of Embracing Community.

(This year we have included a slideshow of photos taken on that day in mid-December when we stopped by Howard middle to create Christmas for a class of children who deserve it.)