1st Annual TIPIN Project GRITSMAS GIVEAWAY
With so much going on in the world and so many falling victim to the circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the people of The TIPIN (There Is Power In Numbers) project felt that it was necessary to put themselves aside and serve their fellow man for the holidays. I, Kirston Jarre’ Pittman am a graduate of LSU and former NFL player with the LA Rams. We were able to partner with the NFL through the Social Justice initiative and work with Sherrif Mike Tregre of the St. John The Baptist Parish Sherrif’s Office to deliver Christmas to over 23 families and over 80 children from the ages of 6mos-18 years of age. I was fortunate to be accompanied by one of the sweetest people every allowed to walk this planet, Mrs. Ingrid Perriloux. Before we embarked on the journey of shopping for 8hrs on Friday and another 8hrs on Saturday for the GRITSMAS Giveaway, I told her that I didn’t know if I’d make it through all of that shopping for so many people. She looked at me with eyes of experience and said, “Young man, just enjoy it.” And that I did. The ego and prideful side of my being reared it’s ugly heed as I thought of all the things that could happene while we were shopping for the youth. What if we don’t find what they want? What if we don’t get the right gifts? What if they don’t like the gifts? How long will we be shopping for all of these things? My mind went a million places in a minute and was suddenly calmed with the words, “Young man, just enjoy it.” At first, I was still like man, this will be a long day of waking up and down the isles of Club Walmart is what we call it in the country. After an hour or two, I found myself becoming overtaken with the holiday spirit. Jumping into the plush animal rack, dunking basketballs in the goals, skate boarding down the isles, and even setting a timer to see how fast we could find a certain amount of gifts. Mrs. Ingrid’s advice was replaying in my head. “Young man, just enjoy it. And that I did...too much. I realized that the experience of shopping for others put me in touch with a side of myself that I haven’t felt in quite some time. The inner child within me. I felt like a kid again running up and down the isles just grabbing toys off the rack and slamming them in the basket! I felt free to be myself and I became lost in the cause. It felt good to be in the position to serve my fellow man and it also felt good to be enjoying serving others. I didn’t look for a reward at all from the opportunity to serve those that were in need but I do know that the feeling I felt while shopping was a reward that was more valuable that I could have asked for. On the day of the event I was as nervous as I was before playing my first collegiate football game. Sherrif Mike Tregre and the great people of St. John The Bapstist Sherrif’s Office really supported the cause by providing the people, space, music, elves, Santa, and decorations. I can honestly say that it was one of the highlights of my life being able to be apart of an event tailored to bringing smiles to the faces of our youth. One particular moment stood out to me. A mother walked in with a full face of tears due to the joy and appreciation she felt for what was being done for her and her family. I hugged her, told her this is why we’re here and we are glad to help her during this difficult time. I had to walk away because I began to tear up as well. I look around and a few others were walking away with water in there eyes. That moment of humility. To share such a moment with another human being was enough for me. I was grateful to be apart of the event and humble that God gave the vision for The TIPIN Project to put that type of event together. Often times we get so caught up in our lives and the daily hustle and bustle to make a dollar that we often lose sight of those that aren’t as fortunate as we are. There was a moment in time when I began to reflect on how I’ve never been hungry, thirsty, homeless, or have never been without clothing and shoes. That glimpse inside of my heart created a passion within me to serve my fellow man. With so much turmoil going on in our country and the uncertainty of a global pandemic, now is the time for us as human beings to put aside race, color, and politics and unite to ensure the common good of humanity prevails. We are The TIPIN Project and we are here to serve our fellow man and do our part to put smiles on the faces of people all over the world. Thank You.
