This Elf is Not on the Shelf

The Anonymous Elf surprised customers at The Mom Shop, a gift shop exclusively
for children in residence at Amity House and Hope House.

The Anonymous Elf treated Victim's Advocate Carmen Knox to an impromptu dance number. 

         

          The food at the annual Christmas party for the Glynn Community Crisis Center was delicious, and the portions generous. The Mom Shop, full to the limit with lovely gifts for children to select for their mothers, was exciting in the way that Christmas should be– an opportunity to participate in the joy of giving. The kids were thrilled with their own gifts. But they will remember something else for a long time. Or, rather, someone else: the Anonymous Elf, Santa’s trusty helper.

            When young ones arrived at the Mom Shop, they were greeted by a real, live elf. Pointed felt hat with bells, shoes with upturned curly toes, pointy ears and twinkling eyes. All the requisite elf regalia were there, along with the playful, merry spirit. There was no doubting his authenticity: this was a regulation-issue, bona fide elf.   

            Needless to say, the reaction was surprise and delight. As the children went into the Mom Shop one family at a time, Mr. Anonymous accompanied them and helped as elves are inclined to help, holding the giant bags into which the carefully selected treasures were placed for each lady. After all the shopping was completed for all the adults in residence at Amity House, the Crisis Center’s domestic violence shelter, and Hope House, the transitional living location, the elf joined families at the shelter for another surprise: the arrival of Santa.

            As Santa did a program of Christmas stories and songs with the children, the Anonymous Elf cheerfully participated then did what elves do best. He helped Santa pass out special gifts for each child.

            When a child is removed from the home due to domestic violence and moved into a shelter, especially at holiday time, it can be traumatic. The Crisis Center, which is the beneficiary of the annual A Taste of Glynn event, knows exactly what is needed to make the season bright. A full staff of experts, including advocates for adults specializing in legal matters, career and educational advancement, a full-time specialist dedicated to child advocacy, counselors, house managers and program managers work year-round to help families create new lives full of hope, free from domestic violence. But at Christmas, there’s an additional aspect to their mission: fun. Plus games, parties and presents. Surprises, too. Like a chance to hang out with a real elf.

            Who is this elf, really? Does he have another identity for 364 days a year? We don’t know. He lives up to his name Anonymous Elf. But here is what we do know: he shows up when Santa needs help. He also delivers gifts to needy families, rings the bell and by the time they answer the door–he is gone. He vanishes, actually. He is, as you might expect, very jolly. He is a good guy through and through. When kids–and their parents– need to believe, he just appears somehow. What better place for him to show up for a party than Amity House?

            This holiday season, we all need to believe. Believe in the good that lies in humanity, in our ability to experience joy, in hope for the future. Everyone at the Glynn Community Crisis Center, as well as the sponsors, participating chefs and volunteers for A Taste of Glynn, wish the happiest of holidays to our caring, supportive and loving community.