It Was Like Christmas Morning

Nov 15, 2016

by United Way NCA

Derek shares his story from Project Homeless Connect

As a Project Homeless Connect volunteer, Derek was originally assigned to the cleanup crew, so there wouldn’t be much to do until after the event. In the meantime, he decided to fill in at the clothing station, giving away socks, underwear, shoes, blankets and winter coats.

That afternoon, three young mothers visited the table in need of every kind of item offered, for both themselves and their children.

One of the mothers expressed to Derek that it was like Christmas morning, and then all three told him how his warmth and smile gave them the best experience of the whole day. Derek’s station was their favorite part of the event. They started crying, gave him a hug and thanked him again, not just for the clothes but for his kindness. Derek cried with them, tears for their thanks and being able to give them a good day.

Recent Posts

related post thumbnail
Aug 27, 2026

blog

United Way NCA's Stuff the Bus Provides 500 Backpacks for ALICE Families

No Student Should Start School Empty-Handed More than 70 volunteers packed 500 backpacks Monday, Aug. 17, for United Way of the National Capital Area’s (United Way NCA) 10th annual Stuff..
related post thumbnail
Aug 27, 2026

blog

Navy Federal and United Way NCA Gear Up Students

65 Backpacks, One Morning Employees at Navy Federal Credit Union partnered with United Way of the National Capital Area on Aug. 18 to stuff 65 backpacks ahead of the school..
related post thumbnail
Aug 21, 2026

blog

Summer Program Builds College & Career Skills

Next Generation Scholars Wrap Summer Program With New College and Career Skills Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) and Maryland Multicultural Youth Centers (MMYC) hosted the Next Generation Scholars and Prince..