2010 - December

Articles Index

Never too Young to Make A Difference!

Most kids dread homework assignments around the holidays. All they can think of is delicious food, warm houses and presents under the tree. Shirley Klokkengas, an 8th grade teacher at Meads Middle School in Northville, decided to give her students a writing assignment called, “My Michigan Hero.” Quickly the English class assignment went from heroes they know to recognizing heroes in the community and becoming heroes themselves. Instead of sitting back and reflecting on heroes, the class decided to stand up and make a difference, they decided to become heroes to others.

All I want for Christmas is...

Remember being told, "You better be good so Santa will bring you presents?" Well, most of us look back on our childhood as a time of innocence, a time where we would get giddy with the thought of Santa reading our letters and the excitement of opening those gifts we REALLY wanted Christmas Day. I asked the kids here at Covenant House to make a Christmas list and write a little bit about themselves. I was so surprised and humbled when I read through those lists later that day.

Does it even matter?

When you pass a homeless person on the street, what do you think about? I’ve had mixed emotions over the years. Often my heart hurts, sometimes I get irritated, sometimes I curiously wonder about their life, and other times I try to avoid that I saw them in the first place. I have to admit that I contemplate giving money. What will it be used for? Will it be enough? Does it even matter?

My Christmas Wish....a Bible

Hello, my name is Martin and I came to Covenant House last year in May.

Since being here I have embraced all of the staff and residents. I am going to school at Henry Ford Community College for art courses so that I will be able to transfer to the College for Creative Studies. I have a job and I also work in the Intern program at Covenant House.

For Christmas I would like clothing, hygiene products, a bible, art supplies, a backpack and a coat.

Onika's Christmas Request...a job.

Hello, my name is Onika. I have been at the Covenant House for 3 weeks and 2 days.

I came to Covenant House because I didn’t have a stable home life and in order to get my life straight I had to leave. The Covenant House has helped me move past my previous home life.

I want and need the same thing for Christmas this year, a job.

M's Christmas Wish....to be independent.

Hello, I am Marvin and I came to CHM after my family kicked me out because I had no income.

At CHM I hope to accomplish a lot of things that will help me succeed in life. All that I want for Christmas is to find a place to live, like an apartment, and a car to get back and forth in.

I want to be independent and not having to rely on anyone. This will prove to everyone that I can do this, and be successful in life.

Pierre's wish is for t-shirts and a job.

Hello, my name is Pierre, I’m 18-years-old and I’ve been at CHM for about a week.

I came to get my life together because the way I was heading was either death or jail. I have been going to school, looking for a job, and staying away from the crowd I was with.

For Christmas I would just like some white t-shirts and some pants. If I could get something else it would be a job.

Darius is focusing on getting into trade school.

Hello, my name is Darius, I have been at Covenant House since August.

Since being here I have been engaged in all of the Covenant House Activities, but my main focus is trying to get into trade school.

For Christmas I am hoping for some V-neck t-shirts, boxers and a robe.

*Please note that this is not a wish list that needs to be filled. We wanted to show you how the simplest things are the very things that our kids want in life. All the Covenant House kids will receive gifts this Christmas through our Christmas program.

My Christmas wish is a better job with more hours.

Hello, my name is Steven and I came to Covenant House on October 13, 2010.

Since I have been living here I have accomplished many things. I have all of my medical paper work and social work done; I have also enrolled back in school and getting ready to go to Joliet Junior College, located in Illinois.

I have also received an intern job at Covenant House.

If it’s not too much to ask, for Christmas I would love a better job. Thank you.

For Christmas, I need a place to live.

Hello, I am Christopher, I’m 19-years-old and I’ve been at CHM for a month now.

I came here because I wanted to make a change in my life. I was selling drugs and I got locked up, it made me realize that I don’t want to end up back in jail so I came here.

I have enrolled in school and found a job, and CHM is helping me with my anger issues. For Christmas, I need a place to live and car.