By Anne Dalaba
When United Against Poverty told me that a single mother with two young children had just moved into her very first home, I felt overjoyed for them. That joy, however, quickly turned into concern when I learned that the house was completely empty—without even the most basic necessities. 
As the women’s ministry director at my church, I immediately recognized an opportunity to bless a family in our community. I reached out to the women of our church and invited them to participate in a housewarming celebration for this family. Even though we were only a few weeks away from Christmas—a season when calendars are usually full—the response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
Women who were unable to attend the housewarming still wanted to help and began dropping off gifts at the church in the days leading up to the event.
On the evening of the housewarming, car after car arrived at the family’s home, each one carrying food, furniture, and thoughtful gifts. We walked into a house that was empty, but by the time we left, it had been transformed into a warm and welcoming home—filled with furniture, kitchen appliances, rugs, and so much more.
The smiles on the faces of this young family were priceless. Yet just as meaningful was witnessing the women from our church come together in generosity and love—and seeing the joy that giving brought to each of them.
In that moment, I realized the blessing flowed both ways.
“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.”
— Khalil Gibran
