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As we begin planning for the 2025 season, I can’t help but reflect on what Delivery Day means to me and to all of us at Project Christmas. It’s the day where everything we’ve worked so hard for comes full circle. The nominations, the shopping, the wrapping, the countless behind-the-scenes hours - it all leads to this one day where the impact becomes real.
Our 2024 Delivery Day began at The Boozy Barbell, one of our amazing community partners who once again let us turn their gym into Santa’s Workshop. The space filled quickly with the energy of our volunteers, each one showing up with purpose, ready to spread joy.
You could feel it in the air: something special was about to unfold.
And then, just like in a movie, our modern-day sleigh pulled up, a big U-Haul truck, ready to carry the spirit of the season all across the city.
The energy kicked into high gear. Our team sprang into action, carefully sorting and tagging each gift. Every single present had been handpicked, wrapped with love, and organized by delivery zone. With 35 families waiting for us, we knew it would take several loads and a convoy of Christmas cheer to reach everyone. So car after car was packed to the brim with joy, ready to roll.
Each stop was filled with emotion, even before we reached the front door. As we drove, we shared with our “elves” the stories of the families ahead, the challenges they were facing, and why they had been nominated for support. The impact was felt before a single bell rang or knock sounded. And once the doors opened, it only deepened.
Some families greeted us with tears in their eyes. Others sent messages afterward that left us speechless. Some homes were quiet; others bursting with excited kids peeking through windows. But every stop shared something powerful: gratitude, relief, and love. Moments that clearly meant so much to these families and ones that none of us will forget. We hugged as strangers, and within seconds, became part of the same Project Christmas family.
The day stretched on, and as night began to fall and the temperatures dropped, our volunteers didn’t miss a beat. We reloaded again and again, bundled up, and hit the road until every last delivery was made, 35 stops in one day!! By the time our final load was complete, we were physically drained but emotionally full. Full of stories. Full of memories that will stay with us forever. Full of the kind of joy that only comes from giving everything you’ve got to help someone else.
Delivery Day is always my favorite day of the year. It’s the day Project Christmas becomes real not just for the families we support, but for every volunteer who packs a trunk, every donor who helps fill a wishlist, and every person who believes in what we’re building. A reminder of what’s possible when a community shows up for each other.
To every single person who made this year possible: thank you. You are the reason this magic exists. You are the heart of Project Christmas. Thank you for making 2024 the most meaningful year yet.
Until next Christmas,
Christina
