A Covenant Carol

I think there’s a little bit of a Scrooge in all of us. We look at all the need around us, and like Scrooge, are tempted to say, “I don’t make merry myself on Christmas, and I can’t afford to make idle people merry.” It’s easy to look at the misfortunes of others and write them off, assuming they did it to themselves. But we know the end of Dickens’ tale, when Scrooge realizes that joy comes from sharing and loving others.

Here at Covenant House Michigan we see kids who come to our doors with nothing, and for some it is easy to assume that they have gotten themselves into these situations, and they should be able to get themselves out of it. But I promise you that these young men and women don’t want to be here. They want to be in a home on Christmas day, with a family that loves them. That’s why it is so important that we open our hearts to them. These kids want to be loved; they need to have shelter and safety and they deserve a chance at success.

I was blessed with a family that always provided for me, encouraged me to pursue education and work hard and taught me the value of giving back. I make it a priority to instill these values in my kids. My job as a parent is to provide for my kids and help them to grow, and in the same way our job at Covenant House Michigan is to teach, encourage, educate and cheer for our kids. I have to admit that it really bothers me every time I meet a young person at Covenant House who wasn’t given a fair chance. No kid should feel alone and unwanted. No kid should ever be in a predicament to sell themselves or commit crimes because there was nobody there to show them another way. And no kid should ever be abused or forced to sleep in unfit conditions. I cannot turn my back on them. They need me. They need all of us.

As we come together with our family and friends to celebrate Christmas and count our blessings, please remember the Covenant House kids. It is because of their attitudes and smiles that I am grateful. Their stories have helped me realize the things in life I so often take for granted. Their determination to survive and succeed inspires me to be better. Please join me in ensuring they continue to have a home here.

God Bless,
Melissa Golpe