“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt in the heart.” – Helen Keller

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

These two quotations express beautifully much of what the “Holiday Spirit” means to me.  It is about feelings; how our actions make us feel and how those actions influence the feelings of others towards us.  As we are once again in the middle of the Holiday Season with all the festivities, smiling faces, family, and giving spirit, the importance of little things we do or say to others may sometimes be overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of the moment. It is not uncommon that upon looking back on what we thought were “little things”, we realize they were actually “big things”. 

For a guest staying at the Kiwanis Family House through the Holidays, the season may be a difficult time emotionally.  Recognizing this, the staff does everything within its power to bring a sense of normalcy and feeling of “home’.  Thanks to the efforts of the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael and members from their sponsored youth leadership groups at local high schools, the facility is decorated for the Season.  A turkey dinner with all the trimmings is provided on Thanksgiving and on Christmas.  These meals are provided because of the extraordinary efforts of Mauda Butte with support from Kiwanians and friends from Divisions 7 and 44 of the California-Nevada-Hawaii District of Kiwanis International.  Yes, one can make a difference.

To paraphrase our mission, we are to provide temporary housing and support to families.  Some of the services provided by the Kiwanis Family House are hard to quantify but there is no doubt about the good feelings these services give not only guests staying at the facility but also to our staff, volunteers, and guests; especially during the Holiday Season. 

None of this would be possible without the loyalty and continued support, through both volunteer service hours and financial contributions, of our many supporters.  Thank you and remember the power you possess to have a positive impact on others.

Wishing you the best of the Season and a wonderful New Year!