Local Organization Spreads Christmas Cheer By Providing Gifts to Less Fortunate Families
Writer / Megan Jefferson
Photography Provided
Megan Elizabeth Williams’ dream was to change the world. Megan was a 17-year-old, enthusiastic, loving young lady that enjoyed helping others. She loved finding new ways to improve her community. Rarely was she seen without a smile, a smile that many said could literally light up a room.
On December 17, 2005, Megan was on her way to buy Christmas presents for less fortunate families when she was killed in a car accident. She was determined to “help families have the best Christmas ever,” and she planned to spend her entire paycheck on gifts for kids.
Rachel Kline was a good friend of Megan’s. They volunteered in Key Club where Megan served as Vice President. Together, they both graduated from Center Grove High School. After Megan’s passing, Kline and Megan’s mom, Cheryl Waterman, started the non-profit organization, Megan’s Fund.
“Megan was really the kindest person you would ever meet,” Kline says. “She loved helping others, and she really wanted to make a difference.”
The mission of Megan’s Fund is to honor Megan Williams by collecting as many Christmas presents as possible for less fortunate kids in the Indianapolis area.
The organization is currently in its 13th year of operation.
“Seeing all the people who Megan has touched through her legacy is amazing,” Kline says. “It was tragic losing her at such a young age. But it’s comforting to see how many people she’s positively impacted in the short time she was on the earth.
Kline, who is a fourth-grade teacher in Center Grove, says the main goal of the organization is to grow every year. It’s a small grassroots organization and they just try to buy more and more holiday gifts for families every year. Megan’s Fund works with several organizations including the Indianapolis Children’s Bureau to find families and kids who are in need of donations at Christmastime.
There are plenty of opportunities to donate and help Megan’s Fund. The organization accepts cash donations. This money is used to buy things most needed by the families. Donations can be made at any Chase Bank by mentioning Megan’s Fund. Material items can be donated as well, most needed items include children’s books, educational toys, board games, grocery gift cards, baby essentials, hats and gloves and cleaning supplies.
Visit megansfund.webs.com to see this year’s wish list of items. One of the most rewarding ways to honor Megan’s legacy is to adopt a family. Families usually include four or five people. Their wish list will be shared and volunteers are asked to shop for some of the items on that list.
Numerous families have been helped by Megan’s Fund. One family received Christmas presents for two years, as the father was fighting cancer. They were so thankful for the help. Last year, the dad was finally doing well and they were at a point financially where they could adopt a family and provide gifts for their holiday.
“It was really cool to see it come full circle,” Kline says.
Visit Megan’s Fund on Facebook or email meagnsfund@yahoo.com for more information.
A poem that Megan wrote inspired the vision of the charity work.
I am angelic and sweet
I pretend I can fly
I fly I can touch the sky
I touch the sky with my dreams
I worry about poverty
I cry for the poor children of the world
I am a child of the sea
I am angelic and sweet
I understand I canít help everyone
I say to live life to its fullest
I dream of changing the world
I try to make a difference
I hope they will see the things from my point of view
I am a child of the sea
