The Pre-Medical Association of Students for Service

ADOPT-A-FAMILY FOR XMAS Follow-Up

This year, P.A.S.S. took part in the Christmas-giving program known as Operation Santa. In this program, families were nominated by friends, relatives, or co-workers who knew their personal and financial struggle during this time of year, thus making it difficult or not even capable for parents to provide Christmas gifts for their children. In hopes to help out some families and make this holiday season one to never forget, P.A.S.S. took part in adopting 2 families. There were a total of 4 volunteers (3 P.A.S.S. members) who helped deliver the gifts on Wednesday, December 1st from 7-8:30PM.

The first family we delivered gifts to was to Julie Flores and her three children ages 16, 14, and 6. Upon arrival, the youngest girl named Abby was very friendly and welcoming at first approach. On the other hand, the two oldest girls, Angelia and Allissa were shy, yet very thankful and appreciative of the gifts. The family decided to wait until Christmas to open the presents and with kind gestures and never-ending thank you’s, we carried the love and happiness in each of our hearts as we began our way onto the second and last family.

The second family we delivered gifts to was to Gloria Lopez, her 7-year old daughter, Aylani, and her boyfriend’s two daughters, Lyric (4) andA mari (3). As we rang their doorbell, we immediately heard the three girls shout in unison, “They’re here!” We opened the door and while the youngest girl walked to the front to greet us, the other two were shy, yet had the biggest smiles on their faces. We each asked their name and age and we presented their gifts to each of them. The middle daughter immediately started opening one of her gifts, and Gloria took the other gift in time to save it for Christmas. Each of the girls was able to open one present. Aylani received an Art Set with a Fairy Tale Book Maker, Lyric received an ABC Card Game Set, and Amari received a baby doll where she can fix her hair. Each of the girls was very happy with their gifts and even more excited to find out until Christmas what their other gift is. As the girls played with their new toys, Gloria offered each of us hot chocolate and a cookie. We also received a “Thank you” hand-madecard by each daughter. Aylani talked to us about what she was learning in school, while the other two girls took turns being occupied by their toys or wanting to take photos with my camera. It was an amazing experience to see the love and appreciation from both families. All gifts were well received and each family expressed their gratitude. This experience was like nothing else I had ever experienced and I hope P.A.S.S. can take part in more Adopt-A-Family for Christmas projects in the future!

ThisWeek @ UCSD did a story about Operation Santa and PASS got mentioned by AlphaPhi Omega due to our help with the project. You can read the news at: http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/thisweek/2010/12/06_GivingAcrossCampus.asp 

Cheers to a Merry Christmas and a Happy NewYear,

April Domingo

Publicity Commissioner

The Pre-Medical Association of Students forService

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