(MOBILE, Ala.) They are members of an exclusive club that has a waiting list, but few who are eager to join.
Such is the lot of those who qualify to live and learn at St Mary's Home.
"I don't know why some kids are so lucky and some kids are so unlucky," said St. Mary's Home administrator, Andy Wynne. "Most of the kids who come here wind up in the custody of the state of Alabama, the Department of Human Resources."
Why?
Abuse.
Abandonment.
Neglect.
Lives that would have been thrown away, but St. Mary's offers them a safe place to stay, classrooms to learn, both on site and in public school.
Which brings up St. Mary's wish list to make their season bright.
It's only one item, really.
Shoes.
You wouldn't think much about shoes.
Everybody has to have them.
But until you don't have them, or someone who cares enough to make sure you do, life can be pretty touch.
That's changing at St Marys, thanks, in part, to the generosity of Gardner Malouf and his staff at Malouf Furniture in Foley.
"It's just an honor to be here and these kids just really, really need us," he said.
Malouf Furniture is taking part in Local 15's holiday campaign, "Making Spirits Bright!"
When Local 15 put out the word that St. Mary's needs shoes, Gardner Malouf and his staff at Malouf Furniture answered our call.
They went shopping!
The result?
40 pairs of new shoes!
40 pairs of compassion!
"They were asking for shoes," said Malouf, "which is such NOT gifts and not presents during this Christmas time. It's such a need, so it touched me, and we're just excited to be able to do this."
Shoes may sound like an odd gift to many children who have.
But for the child who has little, that child can walk with a little more confidence, a little more security, knowing that there really are people who care enough to Make Their Season Bright!
