In spite of a fire and personal challenges, their spirits couldn’t be brighter!
A gentleman in a wheel chair is lowed from a van onto a Walmart parking lot. He can hardly contain his excitement.
“You're ready for some shopping?"
"Yes, sir! I'm ready! I've been ready all week!,” he replies with a hearty laugh.
It's hard not to catch the holiday spirit when you're shopping with these folks from Mobile’s Mulherin Home, a residence for adults living with physical and mental challenges. This Christmas shopping trip is something they anticipate for months.
It's an annual tradition for them and members of Mobile Fire/Rescue, who make this annual event possible.
"It's just giving back,” says one fireman, as more engines arrive. “Giving back to the community. That's the only reason we come to work is to give back."
Santa's helpers for sure.
But this year, Santa needs a little extra help at Mulherin Home
"We are a non-profit organization. We do not receive any state or federal funding so we rely on the community and donations to be from our local charities and organizations to help us out."
That’s Vickie King. She recently became the home's new director, caring for 29 residents. And she was immediately met with a serious challenge.
"Recently we've had a fire on top of our home, on the roof, that took out our H-VAC unit,: she explains. “And so we've had to have that replaced with some damages to our roof..."
That damage extended to ceilings and floors in some residence rooms. They'll be fixed, but it comes out of the Mulherin Home's limited budget. And on the very day we visited, another problem crops up. The kitchen's walk-in cooler is on the fritz... and repairs won't be cheap. And right here at Christmas!
It's another bite out of an already dedicated budget.
"We have several residents who don't have families,” Vickie says in a quiet voice. “So we have some who... that is solely the way, you know, their expenses, is through donations. "
Donations.
Yes, we're all watching our budgets this time of year.
But when you see their excited faces, and hear their laughter that conceals their daily challenges, maybe... just maybe, you can find a little extra to make their spirits bright!
"The love here,” says Vickie, “it can't be measured. There's nothing like it. "