According to Network of Community Ministries volunteer Meredith Embry,
“35 years of service to the community means responsibility and dependability. Network of Community Ministries distributed over 1,547,000 pounds of food to more than nearly 21,000 local residents in need last year, alone. In addition, they provided housing assistance, job coaching, senior home meal deliveries, and worked closely with Richardson ISD to get needed meal boxes to school campuses when schools were shut down. This year, I want to support them with your help.
“I am Meredith, a volunteer for the Network. Philanthropy has always been a huge part of my life. My mother, Dinah, instilled the need to give back to others early in my childhood. Each year, my family supports nonprofits in various ways. Since our daughters were little, we made an effort to include them in giving back. This year, like many people, our financial means are more restricted, and I wanted to figure out a different way to give back.
“As a portrait photographer who creates artwork of your favorite people, I wondered how to use these skills to make a difference in our community.
“Thinking about the many times that I took our daughters to the mall each Christmas to visit with Santa gave me an idea. Although they have outgrown this visit, those times hold a special place in my heart. Their giddy anticipation about seeing Santa Claus is something I remember as if it was just yesterday. What to ask for?
“This year, the littles will probably not sit on Santa’s lap, but Santa can still visit your house. I can make this holiday season a little more magical by offering to photograph Santa, along with his reindeer and sleigh on your rooftop on Christmas Eve. The evidence will be delivered right to your door signed, sealed with a special wax stamp, and delivered in time for your special morning.
“As Santa’s official photographer for his stops in North Texas (North Dallas, specifically as there are a lot of stops Santa must make), I will be photographing Santa’s visit and ensuring that you have a 5×7 fine art print, signed by Santa himself, to surprise all the little ones.
“A gift from Santa is a gift from you. Your participation provides an additional present, too.
“Gift the Network with a wish off their list: the ability to provide emergency services to more people in need. $50 of the $99 creation fee goes directly to the Network of Community Ministries and will provide emergency services, such as food, shelter, and medical care to families and individuals in need, right here locally.
“In a year with many disappointments, adversities, and struggles, the ‘Santa on My Roof‘ project is a fun way to lift the spirits of the littles and to also give back to an organization that does so much for so many.
“Go to www.meredithembryphotography.com/santa-on-my-roof for more information and to sign up.”
“God bless.”
* Photo credit: Stacey Jemison Photography ** Graphic provided by Network of Community Ministries