EnSafe Employees Play Santa Claus!

 
EnSafe employees in the Knoxville office proved that Christmas truly is the season of giving by donating enough money to buy toys, bikes, clothes, gift cards and essential items for two less-fortunate families in East Tennessee.

The employees pooled their resources in hopes of making one family's Christmas brighter, but with EnSafe matching the amount and doubling the funds, there was enough money to help a second family with their Christmas wish list.

"It's about helping those in need," said Carol Colvin, Administrative Manager in EnSafe's Knoxville office and fundraising coordinator. "It's a small gesture on our part but it makes a big difference in the lives of families who wouldn't have gifts to open at Christmas without support from the community."

The first family was a five-year-old girl and her mother, and their Christmas wish list included many basic necessities that most of us take for granted, such as towels, undergarments, and haircuts—but of course, there had to be some toys and fun things also! In addition to the necessities, their gift bag also included princess toys, art supplies, two new outfits and a coat for mom, shoes for the daughter, and several gifts cards to cover the requested necessities, including a Shell gas card.

The second family, who had been "adopted" by another company that had not followed through with their donation, included two boys, ages 10 and 15, and their mother. They had recently relocated to East Tennessee after the death of the father and were struggling to make ends meet. Their Christmas gift bag included bikes for both boys, dog treats for their dog (a special request by one of the boys), an outfit and shoes for both boys, and a gift basket for the mother. The mother asked that nothing be bought for her so that all resources would benefit the boys, but knowing it would be sad for the kids to see their mother without a Christmas gift, a gift basket was put together that included lotions, dish towels, picture frame; and a scarf, gloves and hat set.

The most rewarding part for the EnSafe team was hearing that the families were very excited and grateful to receive the gifts—proving the old adage that it truly is…better to give than to receive!