AGWA Illinois Chapter"H" Once Again Grabs the Reins in the Spirit of Clause & Effect!
By Jim Garner IL. Chapter "H"
       It was a sunny but brisk December the 17th for the AGWA, Illinois Chapter "H" members who ventured to Aurora, IL to help spread a little Christmas cheer to a family less fortunate provided to us by Clause & Effect. Our family's Mom Yolanda, and her three children, Kyndra, Dominique and Yasmine were certainly surprised to see our "Cary" Claus (Santa played by Cary Levin) head up the stairs to the second floor apartment with a Hardy...HO!..HO!..HOOOO! (who would of thought that such a skinny Claus could have been so jolly?) Once through the door, I felt the family was a little overwhelmed by the presence of these strangers who wanted to make their Holiday a little more bright. However, that feeling didn't last too long as the kids immediately took to the lap of our Santa.

Smiles were in abundance as the kids began to open their packages. We only had a few packages in view for them since as we all know Santa will come once again Christmas Eve. The first to be opened was a new pair of boots for the three year old Yasmine. Individually we were made aware of her delight in this gift as she made her way throughout the room saying "I got boots, see...I got boots!"

 The second gift was opened by four year old Dominique. It was a nerf type airplane which I think he tossed to each of us at least a dozen or so times. Next came a gift for nine year old Kyndra. It was a Pokemon fanny pack. Pokemon is one of Kyndra's favorites. Santa was quick to help her put on her new gift. Next came a care package of badly needed basic household goods for the family to share. Any parent would have been impressed to see how quick the kids were to respond inputting all the soaps, tooth brushes and other necessities away in their proper place. Last Mom opened her gift of a new winter coat, scarf and gloves. Thanks to our thrifty shoppers, Mom will stay warm in this leather and heavily insulated coat. Many other gifts of toys and clothing were received by the family, but whisked away out of sight to be opened Christmas morning. Last our Chapter Treasurer Pat Ciston presented Yolanda with a fifty dollar gift certificate to Jewel Foods to help provide the Christmas meal.

     In the true Spirit of Clause & Effect, I think that this holiday was made a little brighter for all of us. Thanks to those who came out in support to pay witness to the joy and to those who shopped for and wrapped the gifts. Thanks to Cary Levin for putting on the red suit (even though it took two attempts to distinguish the front from the back). Thanks to Judy Shanahan for responding with help and putting together our family's care package. Thanks to Clause & Effect for being there year after year and helping Chapter "H" fulfill the Christmas wishes of those in need. We would like to especially thank all of those who attended our 2000 Christmas in July Poker Run and provided the funding for us to make this magic happen.

Click Here to view the entire photo album from our visit with Yolanda and the kids!

Click Here to See a Thank You from Yasmine!!