Karla, Sophia, and Marissa nominated Natalie for a KDWB Christmas Wish. Karla wrote that it was difficult to describe all of Natalie's awesome in one letter, but they tried...
We work with Natalie at a local non-profit in Dakota County. She supervises one of our Family Resource Centers and Food Shelves, with help from a dedicated group of volunteers. Natalie works hard every day supporting families who are experiencing different levels of crisis - things like hunger, homelessness, domestic violence…the list goes on. Natalie is always there to support the community and to make sure families have food, that they are safe, and she supports them in building their self-sufficiency. She provides a friendly, respectful response to everyone that comes through the door - all with a smile on her face.
Unfortunately, there is stress underneath that pretty smile. Natalie is a single mom raising her 2 kids. Kate is a bright and caring 13 yr old and Mason is a smart, goofy, and extra sweet 8 yr. old. Her children are all that matter to her. Natalie never stops to take the time to think about herself, as she is too busy making sure everyone else is happy and safe - whether that's the clients she serves or her own children.
Natalie has so many reasons to complain about the world, to be jaded, and to lean on others – and she doesn’t. Recently, Natalie has been struggling financially – a non-profit career doesn’t leave you rolling in the dough – and raising 2 children doesn’t come for free. She has downsized much of her expenses, including moving to a small apartment (her and Mason have to share a room) Through the stress, not once has she ever complained! But when one of our coworkers asked her about Christmas for this year, Natalie's concern was not being able to afford the kind of Christmas she would hope to give her children.
We were excited to surprise Natalie at her home with her two kids with a KDWB Christmas Wish. We showed up with tons of gifts including gift cards for the whole family including CobornsDelivers.com, SuperAmerica, Cheesecake Factory, AMC theaters, Davanni's, Masu Sushi & Robata, Target and Kohl's. Plus, the family received passes to Flyover America at Mall of America, all-day wristbands and tickets to Moose Mountain Adventure Golf and tons of board games! Natalie received a Massage Retreat & Spa gift card, a face mask set, makeup kit and more! Kate, age 13, received a new journal, coloring and art supplies, makeup and nail polish and more. Mason, age 8, received Nerf guns with refills, a soccer ball, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys, books and more!
As one of our partners this year, EVERY Christmas wish will be receiving a $101 gas card courtesy of SuperAmerica! as well as a grocery gift card from CobornsDelivers.com.
We couldn't do KDWB's Christmas Wish without your donations. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Special thanks to Venture Bank. Plus, part of the donations will automatically go to YouthLink to help homeless youth in the Twin Cities.