“Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
Natalie McKenna Kelly and her team at Drogheda Dolls live by their many deeds and actions, endeavours and wishes, but if ever words summed up what they do, the above quote says it all.
Recently, at the Dolls House in the Workspace Centre, Drogheda and District Chamber and one of its corporate partners, BD, proudly presented the remarkable local community group with the inaugural Community Champion award. In the coming months, more people will be selected to receive the accolade. Its aim is to celebrate those who give so much to others.
As you sit in the Dolls House, you get a great sense of solace. It’s a safe place for many, a place where a friendly smile welcomes you. No judgement, no envy, no greed, just a place to call home, even for a few hours.
What the Drogheda Dolls have delivered – behind the scenes – for thousands of people over the last number of years, is immeasurable. Over Christmas, 500 boxes of items were handed out to those that needed them. Others weighed in with offers of delivery and storage, all played their part in this great ‘Operation Christmas’ adventure.
The stories shared moisten even the hardest eye in a heartbeat. This is real life salvation at times and all of it comes from the soul. No money would pay for what the Dolls do, they are truly a priceless commodity in our midst.
“It’s about creating a sense of community and back to our grandmothers’ time when you looked after each other. The kindest acts, even the little ones, are amazing,” Natalie stated. ”When people ‘get it’, that’s what inspires me.
“The business community in Drogheda is like no other. We had a raffle before Christmas and 55 of the 60 prizes were sponsored by small, medium and large businesses. The support is amazing. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Chamber CEO, Hubert Murphy and Ronan Quinn from corporate partners, BD, said they were amazed at the work being done by the Drogheda Dolls and were delighted to present the first Community Champion award to them.
The superb awards themselves were produced by chamber member, Alan Murphy, 3D Portraits Ireland.
Very rarely in our lives, packed with our own pressures and endless highs and lows, tears and smiles, will we be fortunate enough to meet someone like Natalie McKenna Kelly. The next time you see her, just say thanks from the people of Drogheda……..for being Natalie.