Noble Calling

Our December calendars are packed with shopping, writing cards, and traveling. But there are a special few who set aside some precious time to helping strangers. One such angel is Jill, who every year assembles gift bags for senior shut-ins.

On Thursday afternoon I stopped by Jill’s house. 500 “stocking stuffers” had already gone to day care centers and homeless shelters. Another 200+ destined for Meals on Wheels and retirement homes were being assembled by members of the Santa Clara Thunderbird Club and the local Episcopal church.

For ten years, in good times and bad, sickness and health, Jill has soldiered on. (Here’s my post from 2006.) Beginning in the summer she sets aside sections of her house to stocking-stuffer paraphernalia. While she shops for wrapping materials she is always reminding us that she can use paperbacks in good condition, candies, and personal items that hotels routinely put out for their guests. Jill is extraordinarily persistent and patient, as is her family for supporting her calling.

Jill said that she doesn’t want publicity. Too late. A reporter from a local-news website stopped by, took some pictures, and published an article.

Jill set aside some extra bags for us to give out when we go caroling in a couple of weeks. Like I said, an angel. © 2010 Stephen Yuen