We’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions, by our donators, the organizations we donate too and the community in general, about what we do exactly, how we do what we do, the types of information we need, things you can do to help and reasons why we do what we do. We are just a small operation, so the list is small as well! But we have big dreams so we’re getting prepared!
I cannot even begin to explain how many times as a young 11, 12 year old, I had given up all hope in humanity; but a kind stranger with a gesture as small as a hot drink on a freezing morning, or a piece of pizza when I hadn’t eaten in over a week, was enough to give me the fight to keep going for one more day. I know in the normal world this has come to sound like hyperbole and even worse a scam of sorts, but I assure you, it was my daily life for so long, and more importantly IS THE DAILY LIFE NOW of so many. Rome Santa strives to give that one last bit of strength when none is left to be found.
I try to give them out to homeless shelters for families, domestic violence shelters (which is my favorite as I have been to these places and being able to make the mom bags too is so amazing!!!! They need it more than their the kids sometimes you know?), churches, thrift stores and treatment centers. I get a little heat for that last choice, but parents trying to clean themselves up and stat a new path deserve a little something too, as do their children. I came from such terrible abuse and I absolutely cannot overstate how much these rare little gift-bags and surprises meant for me and my sister. If everyone laughs, if everyone throws everything away, even if I get in some kind of dire straits – helping just ONE child, somewhere, forget their pain for just a few minutes – would make all of it worth it a thousand fold, if not much more. I honestly mean that with my whole soul.
After all, I didn’t even grow up in Rome. It is however, my community now, and I am starting small, hoping to branch out in as many ways as possible. I don’t have a lot myself, and receive quite a bit of criticism doing even this, as my future itself is uncertain. Perhaps this is a fool’s errand, but it is my errand nonetheless, lol. I know this is a huge cliche’ and rather selfish, but, how can I enjoy something with no one there to enjoy it with me?
- Grocery store gift cards are an absolute blessing for families struggling to feed their little ones
- Healthy snacks and food that does not require immediate prep is recommended of course, but everyone needs a little treat of chocolate and Christmas specialties to keep spirits high!
- Warm winter coats
- Warm winter gloves & hats
- Warm socks and shoes of any kind/any size
- Backpacks and/or duffel bags
- Small toys for the little ones may not seem like “necessities” per se, but these precious little ones have no way of understanding what’s happening to disrupt their world and many come to the conclusion it is some how their fault – a mistaken conclusion which can last a last time – so let’s try to avoid that if we are blessed enough to help!
- We do also deal with preteens & teenagers, so things like lotions, face creams, head wear (headbands, ponytails, etc.), sports trading cards, footballs, colognes/perfumes, etc., while seemingly an odd ask, are great for gifts for those ages.
- LAST BUT NOT LEAST – EVERYONE STRUGGLING GOES THROUGH ONE HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE THAT CROSSES ALL BOUNDARIES, LANGUAGE BARRIERS, AND DISTANCES – FEELING OTHERED, FEELING UNWORTHY. I remember this more than the cold, the hunger and even the abuse. Even if you have nothing physical to give, you have the most important thing of all to offer – Your Humanity!