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PLATTSBURGH — Knowing their children will be waking up on Christmas morning with plenty of presents surrounding their tree, one local couple can rest much easier.
John Smith and his wife, Emily Harris, would never have thought it possible just a short time ago. But with the help of Becky Trudell and Front Street Bridge Christian Fellowship in Keeseville, their dream is becoming a reality.
DISABLED
Smith has a form of albinism that causes him to be extremely sensitive to light. Because of this, he has been nearly blind his entire life. In addition, exposure to fluorescent and bright lights causes intense migraines.
Harris suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of extreme child abuse and has Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism. In addition, fibromyalgia makes it impossible for her to stand for long periods of time.
These conditions make work extremely difficult for the couple, and they are both on disability.
They have two children: Gabe, who is 16 months old, and Noah, 5 months old.
The family lives at Lakeside Apartments in Plattsburgh, depending on less than $1,200 Social Security insurance a month in order to make ends meet.
"We use the services that are available," Harris said. "We use them without guilt."
SEARCHED FOR CLOTHES
After Harris looked for used baby clothes on the Web site Craigslist.com, she was contacted by Trudell, who had seen the family's need expressed online.
The clothes ultimately came, but in the meantime, Trudell was able to provide the family with a baby walker they had been looking for.
On her way home from dropping it off, she said, there was a tug at her heart. She knew what she needed to do.
"To me, it felt as if God was leading me to her," she said of Harris.
Realizing she couldn't do all that was needed herself, Trudell approached Warren "Sam" Biggar, the pastor of her church, with the idea of "adopting" the family for the holidays. The idea was met with great enthusiasm by their congregation.
'ABOVE AND BEYOND'
Asked to provide a list, the family made a point of asking for donations of used items. It was soon apparent that members of the church wanted to go out and buy brand-new presents for the family.
Every week, the box would fill up, not only with toys for the children but also with necessities and other gifts for the parents.
"People have gone above and beyond the list," Harris said. "The donations are pouring in."
Harris, who grew up in foster care, said she never really knew what a real Christmas was. That makes providing a beautiful Christmas to her boys even more important to her.
Knowing the kids now will have plenty of presents to open this Christmas, Smith said, is overwhelming.
"It makes me happy to know they know Santa is on his way," Harris said. "We can cry right now — the support we've got is overwhelming."
Speaking of those involved, Harris said, "Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts."
Smith wanted the public to know how appreciative the family is of the help they are receiving.
GIVING BACK
After opening the gifts on Christmas morning, Harris and Smith plan to bake cookies and other snacks for the Emergency Department staff at CVPH Medical Center and the local police and fire departments to show their sons the importance of giving in the true spirit of the holidays.
There are people who don't get to spend time with their families on Christmas Day, Harris said, but they would still really like a holiday treat while they work.
Harris hopes to continue doing this every year as a family tradition.
"We're all brothers in the end, and we need to take care of each other," Trudell said.
Harris and Trudell have become good friends and their kids, who are similar in age, have become playmates. They said it's all about passing on what you don't use to someone who can use it.
Both women donate their children's clothing and toys once they are outgrown, something they feel is important for parents to do since those things don't get worn out in the short time a child uses them.
"It's your obligation as a parent to help other parents," Trudell said.
The two women hope to expand on this idea for next Christmas, getting community businesses and organizations involved in helping others in need. Anyone interested in helping is urged to contact Trudell at 314-1303 or the Front Street Bridge Christian Fellowship, commonly called the Bridge Keeseville, at 834-7373.
"It's just awesome that it turned out to be such a big blessing," Trudell said of helping Smith and Harris. "God gave me this heart. I love what I receive, and I love to pass it on."
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