I’m on holidays (as I assume you are!), so I admit that I cheated on this week’s article! The composition below is mostly from ChatGPT. I did a fair bit of editing but probably not as much as it needs! I hope you enjoy it.
‘Twas the Night Before Giving
‘Twas the night before giving, when all through the town,
Not a Trustee was stirring, not even a frown.
The forms were all printed, the schedules were done,
In hopes that volunteers I soon would see come.
Other staff were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of fundraisers danced in their heads.
But I with my clipboard, and a list in my hand,
Had just focused my brain on a pre-event plan.
When out in the parking lot there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter.
I flew to the hall, my heart beating high,
Fingers crossed tight and a wish in my eye.
The moon through the windows on tables below
Gave a sparkle of purpose, a warm, gentle glow.
When what to my reassured eyes should appear,
But a team of volunteers, full of gladness and cheer!
They came bearing cookies, some coffee, some tea,
And one even lugged in a decorated tree!
Everyone among them was so lively and quick,
I thought at first that it must be a trick.
“Now Susan! Now Martin! Now Priya and Kate!
On Helen! On Carlos! There’s no time to wait!
To the tables and checklists! To tasks great and small!
Now dash away, pitch in, and handle it all!”
Their laughter, it sparkled; their teamwork, it flowed,
And faster than eagles the tasks were bestowed.
As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,
They tackled each duty with cheerful hearts high.
And so, in a twinkling, I heard with delight,
The sounds of a giving event coming to full flight.
As I drew in my breath and turned all around,
The beauty of kindness was everywhere found.
They smiled and they laughed, they worked with such care,
Each soul brought their magic, their energy rare.
With joy in their eyes and a purpose so true,
They reminded me why we do what we do.
By morning, the project was finally done,
And the impact they made could be measured by none.
“Your time and your hearts,” I told them with tears,
“Will make this giving event remembered for years.”
They smiled and they nodded, their hearts full of cheer,
Their purpose to serve made the mission so dear.
And I heard them exclaim, as they drove out of sight:
“Happy giving to all, and to all a good night!”
Happy holidays, everyone, and take care!
