This weekend we had a very powerful volunteer event when a small but mighty group of volunteers pulled together to provide and deliver some basic items to 2 families in need. It was one of the most memorable weekends in our foundations existence.

It was that good.

Through our partnership with Providence Connections, we were introduced to 2 families that just needed a bit more help. We delivered dressers and storage bins to a woman and her nieces/nephew that demonstrates the power of family love – she is raising her brother’s children as their parents are unable. We were honored to help in a small way.

When we got to the second stop, we realized how we are being guided by forces that we cannot fully understand. The young family (2 parents and 4 children under 15) live in the Perry Hilltop section of Pittsburgh – having been chased from their previous home due to fire where they lost so much.

The children had no beds.

When our team came in with 4 twin beds with sheets and new blankets and comforters (all donated by you – our faithful!) it was a beautiful experience to see how happy the children were to finally (again) have their own beds. When we brought in a dresser for each child, you would have thought it was Christmas morning.

Our team made a connection with the family; something that we are so proud to say is what makes Henry’s List and Emma’s Peace Gang (our volunteer movement) so unique. They didn’t dump and run – our team helped make the beds and spent a little time with the children and it was pure joy to interact with these beautiful souls.

While not on ‘the list’ we learned that the parents didn’t have a bed – they put the children first.

A few days before our delivery, one of our dear friends asked if we could use a ‘king size’ mattress (and some sheets). We didn’t have this on our needs list and our focus was on the beds and dressers that were identified as needed. So we put this collection on hold.

When we were ready to leave the second family, we noticed that the parents had a bed frame with box spring – but no mattress, so they must have been sleeping on the floor/couch with the kids. One of our volunteers was so moved by the day that he made more time in a busy Saturday to collect the mattress from our friend and revisit this family later that same day.

As we reflected on the day it was so comforting to realize that because of the love of you all, there’s a beautiful young family that had a truly peaceful night sleep in their own beds for the first time in what turns out to be over 2 months.

We are truly blessed to have you all on our team and this weekend was affirmation that Henry’s List truly does bring love from your heart to the homes of those that need a bit more help.

Thank you Tracey, Karen, Char, Cheryl & Glenn, Tamara & Luke, Dottie, Lisa & Eric, Amy & Curt, Joanne & John.

You ARE our FOUNDATION.