My real job is as a Direct Service Provider in a day program for adults with disabilities.  I have been blessed to be able to forge a partnership between The Stork Project and my work.  I have a group of adults that now do much of the work of The Stork Project. I call them The Whipper Snappers.  They love to sort and snap the many clothes received as donations. Sorting and snapping fills many needs. There is something calming about the process. Everyone can participate. We are able to complete a task and when done see the end result of our work.  The Whipper Snappers come with me as I pick up clothes and help make deliveries. They get to see the gratitude for their hard work from the social workers who recieve Welcome Bundles for their clients.  The Whipper Snappers have become important volunteers at The Stork Project.

 

As a Christmas project we adopted 21 children at Early Headstart in Nashua.  Each child received a Christmas outfit, a book, and a small token gift for mom. The Whipper Snappers wrapped each outfit in tissue paper and placed it into the gift bag. They painted ornamnets to be used as tags on the bags. They loving tied on ribbons and jingle bells and added a book to each bag.  Each step of the process was celebrated and their work was acknowledged.  They knew they had done something meanigful and special.  

 

A few days later we all went to Early Head Start to make the delivery.  Nine clients and myself and 2 coworkers decended on the center with all of our bags of goodies.  The social workers were ready for us and welcomed us warmly. Each bag was received with fanfare and great appreciation.  We then spent some time in the center visiting with the chldren. It was a glorious morning. 

 

If not for the hard work of The Whipper Snappers this project would not have happened.   They allow me to add a richness that would not be possible without thir dedication.  They are my superheros and I am thankful every day they are in my life.