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Confession: I was starting to feel the need for a few silent nights.
It’s so easy to get caught up in making our lists (and checking them twice), rushing to meet both professional and personal obligations so we can achieve that elusive peace of mind and finally rest and reflect with our loved ones over the holidays.
Yet the real joy of the season comes when we sideline our agendas and prioritize others—which I was reminded of recently.
Last week, we transformed our Hobe Sound Boys & Girls Club into Santa’s workshop for our annual Operation Merry & Bright. Staff and volunteers wrapped toys, readied meals, and filled backpacks, ensuring hundreds of local children and families in need will enjoy bountiful holidays. The next day we joined the Martin County chapter of the NAACP for Miracle on 10th Street—a massive community mobilization that serves all the trappings of the holidays to East Stuart families in need.
Both events are as fun and exciting as they sound, testifying to the truth that giving is better than receiving.
Right now, the need is particularly intense. The high cost of household essentials is exacting an especially heavy toll on the most vulnerable, which make up the majority of families we serve. So, seeing the genuine joy, gratitude and, frankly, relief on their faces when given the gift of a holiday experience is beyond uplifting.
Looking ahead, the New Year holds tremendous promise. Our long-held resolution to create a flagship Boys & Girls Club in Stuart is gaining major momentum. One month ago, we completed the slab, which encompassed 1,378 cubic yards of concrete and required 138 trucks to pour. Now, many of the exterior walls are up. We’re preparing to install air conditioning units and finalizing quotes for the kitchen equipment.
Hopefully, by the start of next school year we’ll be welcoming local children to enjoy the gym, workforce labs, healthy foods, culinary training, citizenship lesson plans, homework help from certified teachers and more.
August sounds like a long way off. Considering how quickly 2023 raced by, surely this milestone will arrive quickly. Each passing year reminds us of our elders’ wisdom about the speed of time. It’s even more true when you’re having fun working with amazing people committed to something worthwhile and meaningful.
Yet for now, we savor this moment of peace, faith, hope and love—deeply grateful for our generous community and so blessings too numerous to count. Happy Holidays, Martin County!
