Christmas and the holidays are often long over before we hear about some of the thoughtful and kind acts of kindness that people do for others. We credit St. Joseph the Worker in Phoenix for sharing the story of Joanne Pfeiff and Family in Phoenix.
Each year, the Pfeiff family finds a worthy cause to support instead of wrapping presents, reported Amy Caffarello, executive director of St. Joseph the Worker. Rather than coming up with gifts for each other, the family seeks out strangers.
With eight children and 21 grandchildren, Pfeiff has a large family that went to work getting together $3,500 to give to the Phoenix agency that provides employment services to the homeless. Some of the funds will go for St. Joseph the Workers Hike for the Homeless March 1 at Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Goodyear.
The family will be recognized as a sponsor, but the family really doesnt even want that. We dont want our name on the event materials to be boastful, said Pfeiffs daughter-in-law, Sarah. We hope it might offer inspiration for other families. Joanne Pfeiff explained that she prefers to instill a sense of generosity during Christmas.
Though the family enjoys cookies and good foods of the holiday, their celebration does not focus on gifts under the tree. Instead, Caffarello of St. Joseph the Worker said, They open their wallets and contribute to the community.
I want my children and grandchildren to know how good it feels to help others and to understand that we all have a responsibility to give back, Pfeiff said. Those of us who have the benefit of education, health and other resources have so much. We need to give something, too. The greatest gift I have received is the gift of faith, and I believe we are here not to be served but to serve.
St. Joseph the Worker is a privately funded, non-profit organization that has been serving the Valley for 20 years and relies on support from the community. (www.sjwjobs.org). Added Caffarello, We are grateful for the support of the Pfeiffs. Teaching children early about philanthropy and service is a wonderful gift to give them. For more information, call her office, (602) 417-9854.
