The family I took the gifts to is a refugee family from Iraq.  They probably were involved with helping some US governmental people or soldiers over there and had to leave because they were no longer welcome for helping us - that’s generally why we get Iraqi refugees from what I understand. I am connected with them through volunteering for the IRC (International Rescue Committee).  The family consists of a mom, a dad, five year old twins (boy and girl) a 4 year old boy, and a soon to be born baby (I can’t figure out if they know the sex or not).  The IRC gives them a place to live their first 6 months in America to help get them on their feet and sponsors other programs to help them learn English and find a job to sustain themselves.
I took all of the baby stuff and toys by the house today and it was really great!  They were so excited and kept saying “thank you, thank you”!  Since we already have a hard time communicating (their English isn’t good and I speak two words of Arabic).  The mom, Afrah, was especially excited about the baby stuff because I’m pretty sure they really don’t have anything yet and the baby is supposed to come this month.  The kids were all very geared up about their gifts as well.  Guys, you did a good job picking out the stuff for the two boys.  They were psyched about the soccer ball and cars and the slime was a way bigger hit than any of it!  You should have seen me trying to explain to their mom that it was gross, but not toxic!  It was hilarious!  I was only able to get a couple of pictures because they acted really shy about it (you can see in one that the mom was trying to run out of the picture when I started to take it with her in it).  I didn’t want them to feel on the spot, so I only took two.

Thanks so much for making this happen!  I know they really needed it and I was especially worried about them being prepared when the baby comes.  You not only gave a family Christmas, but the timing was so perfect that we were able to make their own holiday special as well!