An Alternative Christmas

by Jerry Gladbach, CFCA Child Services

Have you ever thought that a Christmas gift could impact not only on the giver, and the receiver, but also a youth in a developing country struggling to meet their basic needs or attend school?

Fair Trade Fair
Creative thinker, theology teacher and social justice advocate Marvin Grilliot knows the right Christmas gift has the potential to change a person’s life, and that is exactly what he set out to show the students of Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Grilliot and members of the Social Justice League at Rockhurst High School created and hosted their first “Fair Trade” Fair. Mr. Grilliot envisioned a fair where Rockhurst students had a chance to buy fair-trade items or give an “alternative” gift to a loved one this Christmas. The theme of the fair was “Christmas with a Conscience.” Mr. Grilliot has been presenting sponsorship or a donation to the CFCA Scholarship Fund as an “alternative” way for a student or their family to celebrate Christmas this year.

CFCA was invited to share about our organization and I was honored to be a member of the team that attended the fair, held during the students’ activity period. CFCA had a booth with two tables sharing information about the CFCA Scholarship Fund and sponsorship. We also gave away “Walk with the Poor” bumper stickers and temporary tattoos. I got my first tat! It didn’t hurt much - no pain, no gain. I really enjoyed visiting with some of the great folks of “The Rock”! I was excited to see the students of Rockhurst energized about giving a gift with meaning and one that could truly help another person.

Isn’t that what Christmas is truly about? That’s what I believe. If you are inspired by Mr. Grilliot, the Rockhurst High School Social Justice League, and the students of Rockhurst High School, as I have been inspired, then I encourage you to give to the CFCA Scholarship Fund (as I did this Christmas in honor of my bro … I drew him this year for the annual Gladbach Family Secret Santa Exchange) or consider sponsoring an older teen and help someone achieve their dreams this Christmas season!

Many blessings this Christmas to you and yours and a happy 2008!