Providing Da’Mari’s First Christmas
Last Christmas, Briyuanna had just moved into a new apartment with her 2-month-old son, Da’Mari. She was a brand-new mom living in the first home of her own. It was a season full of excitement – and expenses.
She didn’t know how she would afford any presents for Da’Mari’s first Christmas – until one of her new neighbors told her about the help available at The Salvation Army. Briyuanna called the Elgin Corps Community Center and signed up for the Angel Tree program, which provides Christmas presents for children, teens, and seniors who would otherwise go without.
That Christmas, Briyuanna was able to give Da’Mari a toy radio, stacking rings, some blocks, and an outfit. “He couldn’t play with all of them at first, but he does now,” she said. “Those were some of his first toys. They helped me know what he likes.” For example, his delight in the toy radio helped her realize her son likes music.
Briyuanna is grateful that people are willing to give. “Nobody had to help me, but they did,” she said. While this year she’s able to provide gifts for her son herself, she has accepted the diapers and other baby supplies the Elgin corps has offered her.
“The Salvation Army means more to me than they know,” Briyuanna said. “They helped me be able to accept help and give help.” In fact, this year she’s planning to donate to The Salvation Army, hoping to provide a bit of the help and encouragement that brightened her holiday last year.
“They helped me give my son his first Christmas,” she said of The Salvation Army. “And for that I will always be grateful.”