Hillsides was founded by an Episcopal deaconess more than 110 years ago as a home for neglected or abandoned children. It is currently an institution of the Diocese of Los Angeles and an organization I have been involved with since I was a young child. My Episcopal elementary school held an ingathering of toys for the children of Hillsides every Christmas. Picking out a toy for the children each year is one of my earliest memories of learning what it meant to give without expecting anything in return.

As I grew older, I was invited to assist with the Vacation Bible School. I don’t recall what we tried to teach the children that week, but I remember how the Hillsides staff interacted with the children. They were some of the most patient, caring individuals I have ever witnessed as they worked with some challenging children. They cared for these children, many of whom had no other adults to care for them. It was truly inspiring, and the Hillsides staff remain heroes in my eyes for their work. 

MOVING FORWARD: Reach out to a children’s home near you and see how you can help.