Bedford family receives anonymous Christmas gift of $100

Friday, January 27, 2012

The envelope that was left on Julie Roberts's car windshield and its contents - one hundred dollars in cash and a Christmas note.

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Courtesy photo
The note accompanying the monetary gift left on Julie Roberts's windshield.

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The envelope that was left on Julie Roberts's car windshield and its contents - one hundred dollars in cash and a Christmas note.

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Here is the text of the message Julie Roberts received:

“It’s not the getting … It’s not the giving … It’s the loving.” – A Garfield Christmas Special.

We wanted to show our love for Jesus by giving some of what we have. Please use in any way you need.

Merry Christmas.

The Roberts family, of Bedford, received an unexpected gift this Christmas: $100 in cash, left in an envelope on their car windshield by a generous stranger.

Julie Roberts was at the CVS on South River Road making a photo album for her mother’s birthday. It was late when she finally exited the store and she noticed a white envelope tucked under her car’s windshield wiper that hadn’t been there earlier.

Initially suspicious, she picked up the envelope and got into her car, only opening it after she had locked the doors. Inside were five crisp $20 bills and a note on an index card wishing her a merry Christmas and encouraging her to use the money as she saw fit.

It was “very touching,” said Roberts, who was amazed that someone would do this for a complete stranger. “I don’t think they were even around to see me pick it up, so they don’t even know who they gave it to.”

Roberts’ husband has a full-time job and she’s able to stay at home and home school their children, but like many families in this economy, they live frugally. “We try to be wise with the funds we do have,” she said. “We’re not destitute or anything, but it was nice to have the extra money.”

The family was able to stretch the cash gift to meet several smaller needs. “Someone needed new sneakers, someone needed new jeans,” said Roberts, referring to her growing children.

The anonymous giver cited their love for Jesus as the inspiration for their generous gesture, a love the Roberts family shares.

“We’re always trusting the Lord to provide for us,” Roberts said. “You never know how much a small act of kindness can mean to someone.”