When most kids make out their Christmas wish lists, you often see items like iPhones, drones, and fancy headphones. When instead you see requests for shoes and school supplies, it can cause you to re-assess a bit.

This is the reality Infinity, Inc. employees faced when they signed up for Union Mission’s Secret Santa program this year.

Union Mission has been leading the fight against homelessness in the Greater Savannah area since 1936. By providing employment training and other support services, they create paths to self-sufficiency and independent living to help break the cycle of chronic homelessness—moving in and out of shelters over the course of a year. Through dedicated volunteers and seasonal programs like Secret Santa, which relies on financial donations and/or gifts, they work within our community to eradicate homelessness right here in our community. They have also been a client of Infinity, Inc.’s managed IT services for more than 6 years.

This year, Infinity, Inc. staff proudly participated in the Union Mission Secret Santa program, adopting 15 children to shop for. Employees had the option to donate money, but all decided to bring in gifts instead. They reported the fun they had picking out presents for children they would never meet, imagining the smiles on their faces. They got to reminisce about their own children celebrating the holidays in younger years, tearing open packages and playing with their Barbies and cars for hours. Some even let their own children pick out what to give, creating a fun, new family tradition of generosity and community involvement.

After experiencing such a successful and rewarding campaign, Infinity, Inc. would like to thank Union Mission for the opportunity and encourage others to join this or other similar programs. Shopping for presents is not required, however. Consider donating an hour or two to America’s Second Harvest or purchasing holiday desserts from Coastal Center for Developmental Services. Our community is full of groups and agencies dedicated to helping others, and Infinity, Inc. is grateful to all of them.