Adopt-a-family

[Kara Synhorst]

Hello, everyone! This year, Zen Martial Arts and our dojo family are adopting a family through St. John’s Program for Real Change. 

The family we are sponsoring is a family of three — the mom, Crystal, and two boys named Joey and Maiden. They are 6 and 5, respectively. 

Joey wears a size 6/7. His favorite color is blue, he loves The Avengers, and he is hoping for a scooter to ride. 

Maiden also wears a size 6/7. His favorite color is black, and he is into Spiderman. He would also like a scooter. 

Crystal didn’t ask for anything for herself, but the grandma, who submitted the application, thought she might like something like body wash, perfume, or hair products. 

St. John’s is asking that we limit gifts to fewer than five per person, (I’m choosing to read it as five or fewer) and I think we can easily meet that goal. 

I think members of the dojo could choose to purchase and donate a gift (Spiderman pajamas? A scooter?) or donate money, with which one of us could buy gifts. If we have the good fortune to collect more than we need for this family, there are options for donating gifts or money directly to St. Johns or adopting another family.

Thank you in advance for helping give Joey and Maiden a Christmas with gifts under the tree.

[Kerry Finley (Kyle and Marissa)]

I picked up a nerf football that has the tail on it, plus a flying disc that pops into a ball after you throw it. I mistakenly took them out of the car so I don't have them with me at the dojo right now. Will you be picking up the gifts today (Wednesday? ) If so then I will go home and get them now.

[Donna Dowson]

I got the game Sequence as something they can all play together. (it's great for 6 & 7 to learn numbers and fun for adults as a strategy game....our family loves it and my girls are 6 & 12).  I also got mom the softest, squishy, most comfortable blanket...because who doesn't love to wrap themselves in warm softness on the couch!! :) I'll send them with Madison to class tonight.

[Kara Synhorst]

Because I have kind of a busy week, it would help if they were tangible gifts. But if that's not possible, I'll work around it if necessary! I'd just like to make sure the kids get a happy Christmas. We're well on our way! The mom has a Calgon bath set with bath salts, body wash, and a body mist. 

[Kerry Finley (Kyle and Marissa)]

I tried to find Avengers pj's on Saturday, but to no avail.  It sounds like you got the pj's covered for both boys though. Would it help to still donate cash, maybe to help offset the cost of the scooters?  Or do you just need a tangible gift at this point?

[Donna Dowson]

what did mom get? maybe something they can all enjoy together?

[Kara Synhorst]

That would be great, Donna! So far we have a pair of jammies, scooter, and helmet for each of the boys and one small gift for mom. So maybe something else for the boys? Thank you!

And Morgan, thank you -- I picked them up and am planning to drop everything off Friday.

[Donna Dowson]

I'm late to the game but would love to help if anything else needs to be purchased! I'll be out shopping tomorrow afternoon.

Donna (Madison's mom in juniors)

[Morgan Grant]

I dropped the Spiderman pjs off at the dojo.  Mr. Oliver put them in the cupboard.

[Kara Synhorst]

Cool? Where, and how much?

[Lori Merritt]

I think I found a good deal on scooters...one with spiderman and one with the avengers....they'd be perfect!  Spending all day on a computer is not something I'm used to doing (curse this final aper of the semester!) and it's been dangerous on cyber monday.