We had the opportunity to volunteer at the Light the World Giving Machine put on by the Church. We had gone to the Giving Machine a few years ago while we were living in Virginia, and we thought it was so cool! So we were so excited to hear that they were having one in Albuquerque at Cottonwood Mall. The coolest part about the Giving Machines is that all the things you can donate go to mostly local charities in the area that are working to help those who are less fortunate. We were able to volunteer during a shift to help people use the machines and explain what they were about. It was so fun to talk to so many wonderful people who were kind and generous and excited to be able to help some local charities make a difference in families’ lives.
After our shift, we were able to use the machines and donate a few things as well. Shelby donated a Family Night with Saranan and Jared donated a Special Outing with Haven House (because the picture was bowling). We also let the boys choose something to donate, and of course they both chose to donate Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, their favorite lunch, with Bethel Storehouse.
Saranam helps families experiencing homelessness in New Mexico through a two-year program that provides everything they need to break the cycle of generational homelessness and achieve long-term stability and independence.
Haven House is a domestic violence shelter for Sandoval County, which provides emergency shelter, case management, support groups, Life-Skills classes, legal advocacy, referrals to job opportunities, housing and other supportive services, therapeutic counseling for both women and their children and children’s programs.
Bethel Storehouse is a Christ centered non-profit mission providing food, clothing and more for those in need in the Estancia Valley area of central New Mexico.
Being able to help contribute to these three non-profits and their missions in a small way was rewarding. We love the Giving Machine as a fun way to donate to those in need.
We also wanted to help those outside our immediate area, so we decided to write some letters and send some gifts to those who would appreciate them the most. Through a couple of online programs, we were able to write letters to veterans to express our gratitude for their service, and to some elderly women who are often lonely and love to read letters and hear stories while they are getting care. There was also a program that gave us specific people that could use some extra support to write letters and send gifts:
This little sweetheart is Jameson King, a bright, loving, and energetic 3-year-old boy who has always filled the lives of those around him with joy and laughter. His smile lights up any room, and his playful spirit reminds us what pure happiness truly looks like.
Recently, however, his world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. In just a matter of days, this little warrior went from running around and playing with his favorite toys to fighting for his life.
With tremendous courage, he underwent an 11½-hour brain surgery. Although the doctors were able to remove part of the tumor, only 50% could be taken out. This is just the beginning of what will be a long and difficult journey ahead.
Jameson now faces radiation, chemotherapy, and countless hours of physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help him relearn how to eat, speak, walk, and even see again. Despite everything, his strength and resilience continue to inspire everyone who knows him.
Brent Askvig and his wife, Stacy, cherished members of the Minot State Women’s Wrestling family. Known to the team as “Grandpa” (and Grandma), they go above and beyond for the young athletes—setting up events, keeping them fueled with great food, and lifting their spirits every week with handmade motivational cards.
He is a retired professor of special education and former executive director of the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities (NDCPD) at Minot State University, where he worked for over 33 years before retiring.
Brent has been fighting hard for years: first prostate cancer (treated with radiation), then a rare Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) that was surgically removed. He took oral chemo for three years and was told it was gone… but the cancer has returned. He’s now on a second targeted drug that’s making him feel pretty rough and needs our support.
Emily (on the left) is a lifelong artist and an accounting clerk by day, but her true joy has always been drawing and making people smile. She’s been married to her sweetheart Richard since 1976.
She’s a breast cancer survivor and carries the BRCA2 mutation. Nine years ago she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, reached remission for five wonderful years, and now the cancer has returned as stage 4. After several treatments stopped working, she’s bravely trying her third clinical trial.
Emily’s three hairless cats are her babies. She adores every single color, draws constantly, and her favorite flower is the cockscomb (celosia). She loves Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, the Beatles, Bob Marley — anything with soul. She’s deeply spiritual, believes in God and a higher power, and has spent her life lifting everyone around her.
In her own daughter’s words: “My mom truly does love making other people happy, and has always shown it through her drawings. She is the brightest light, and I’m so lucky to call her my mom.”
Shelby and Jared enjoyed writing the letters and preparing the gifts and the boys enjoyed coloring the backs of the cards.
We’re grateful for the opportunity this gift provides us each year to serve and love others the way that Christ did and does. We love the Light the World campaign the church does each year because that’s really what the Christmas season is about; sharing the light of Christ and His love to those around us, whether that be through service, gifts, or just being there for someone in need.