Brighter Tomorrows - Transitional Living Program

 

Today an overly cheerful woman from DCFS called and spoke to me about a donation of duffel bags. Of course we would take the donation; our clients do not usually have things of that nature. When she came to drop the bags off, several Transitional Living Program youth came out to help. Each youth picked out a bag for helping. We were all sitting on the floor finding the right bag for each of them when one of the TLP boys opened his bag and said, “Hey there’s a letter!” He began to read the letter aloud and the others listened to the following:

 

Dear Friend,

 

  Hi my name is Chesnie Johnston. I am 10 years old and in the 5th grade. I collect duffel bags and stuffed animals as an act of kindness for those who are in need of them. God told me that you could use a duffel bag and a cuddly friend. So, I send this with love to you. I want you to always know that you are loved, especially by me. And always remember to be positive, polite and never give up.

 

Love Your Friend,

Chesnie

 

Each youth then tore into their bag and hugged their stuffed animal! They sat in the lobby, holding their stuffed animals and talked about how nice that was and how they were going to hang their letters up in their rooms.

 

I know that our TLP clients are older adolescents, but this melted my heart and gave me a smile that I thought I would share with you. I hope it brightens your day.