Giving

On December 5, 2009, my wife and I joined over 100 other volunteers (including fellow HCS’ staffers Tom Canning, Penny Santner and her husband, Buzz) to participate in the YMCA Neighbor-to-Neighbor Christmas program. This was Christmas tree delivery day so we met at the Childs Park YMCA at 8:30 a.m. We were all given detailed instructions including maps to guide us to the homes of the adopted families that would each receive a Christmas tree, a tree stand, food gift cards, a bible, and a voucher for the family to attend Toy Box Night on December 23rd where the YMCA becomes Santa’s Toyshop and parents can come select gifts for their children from all of the donated toys.


As we waited for our delivery assignments, it was very gratifying to me to see all of the volunteers who gave up their morning to help brighten up a Christmas for a family that needed help. The people there came from all walks of life and all ages. Regardless of age or income, these were people who just wanted to give their time to do something that would help out another family.

The highlight of the morning was actually delivering the trees. My wife and I had fun navigating through areas of St. Pete I hadn’t been to for many, many years. Each house we delivered a tree to seemed to tell a different story but the common theme from those that received the trees was overwhelming appreciation. One house in particular stands out in my memory. After we knocked on this door, we were greeted by a mother and her approximately eighteen month old daughter. As we brought the tree into the house, the little girl reached up to my wife and gave her a big hug. That moment for me optimizes what the day was all about: making children happy.

The tree delivery day was the idea of former mayor Rick Baker and a few friends. It started out small with just a few families and a few volunteers but has now grown to delivering trees to 400 families in St. Petersburg. It was definitely the right way for us to start the Christmas season.

Christmas always brings out the giving nature in people and there are usually many opportunities to help others in need during this season. But volunteer opportunities like these exist year round. In fact, many organizations need the most help during the middle of the year. I would like to encourage anyone who can to find an opportunity to give. Whether it is your time, your talent, or your money, there are many ways available to help your fellow man. No matter how small or how insignificant you may think your help would be, it all makes a difference.


Posted by: Mark Stalker

Mark, who recently was promoted to Vice President of Hennessy Construction Services, has over 29 years of experience in the construction industry. His most notable project was his role as Project Manager of construction on Raymond James Stadium.