Second Year Belle: Birtu Belete

I love Christmastime more than any Jewish girl that I know. I'm not sure if it's the Christmas carols, cozy winter clothes or the spirit of giving, but there's something about the Christmas season that makes me happier than any other time of year. The Salvation Army's Annual Sears Holiday Shopping Spree reminded me exactly what Christmas is about. One hundred boys and girls between the ages of five and eleven were given a hundred dollar gift certificate to buy essential items for the holiday season. I had the privilege of shopping with four wonderful children all of whom inspired me and made me feel so lucky for all of the amazing opportunities I've been given. The children were so conscientious and good-natured, it was amazing to see how well these young kids understood the value of a dollar. They were so gracious and I could tell that they appreciated the time we were spending together. I think the highlight of my day was when one of the little boys I shopped with told me that his dream in life was to go to UCLA! I am so grateful for Bruin Belles for allowing me to take part in such wonderful events. Seeing the smiles on these kids' faces was priceless and I couldn't have asked for a better way to usher in the holiday season.

Birtu Belete
Second Year Belle

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