Garrettsville – We received many requests. Some wishes were large and some were small. We had a wish all picked out. Then we received a letter from Portage County Children Services’ Director, Penny Ray. Penny nominated Samantha Mitchell. Samantha is a mother of an infant son. She lives in Ravenna. Two friends from Family and Community Services also nominated her.
The wish was very simple – she needed home furnishings and supplies for her baby. Samantha is an enthusiastic mother who is looking for work and trying hard to make a good life for her son and herself.
Upon hearing this story, there was no doubt- this was our Christmas wish to be granted. The shopping was immensely fun. Chris Perme was an enthusiastic financial partner, but his schedule did not allow him to shop for the gifts. So our editor agreed to help with the shopping. Instead of taking the list as suggestions, we decided to treat it as a shopping list. We bought ALL of the suggested items – a baby swing, cookware, a microwave, and more.
After buying the items, we wrapped it all up and delivered it to our winner on December 23. This was the best part of all. Four of us delivered the gifts. It still took multiple trips from car to Samantha’s home. I can honestly say this made my Christmas. I was happy to help such a grateful young lady. The smile on her face when we carried in the gifts just made my heart smile.
My fellow Santa, Chris Perme, shared these sentiments. “It started as just something nice to do for the community. It ended up being a bright spot of my Christmas. It is truly better to give than to receive.”
On behalf of Perme Financial Group, the Weekly Villager, and me, we wish Samantha and her son the very best. We were happy to meet her and make her our 2010 Christmas Wish recipient.
