Chapter 5: Giving – 2032
"I just think that we should each sponsor a family for Christmas this year," eighteen-year-old Tali was making her case to her siblings. "Yeah, in previous years, we've helped Ima and Abba with the families they chose, but we all have some form of income this year."
"Yeah, I agree," Anthony thought about the money he'd earned over the year with the photography sessions and event photoshoots. He could certainly afford to sponsor a family for the holidays.
LJ nodded his agreement, "I have enough and then some with the cash prizes I won in the art contests this year. I'm in to sponsor a family also."
Riv and Beth shared a look; they'd earned money babysitting since the spring. "Between us, we can sponsor one family," Beth added. "Maybe two; we'll have to look at how much we need."
"I can help you if you need," Tali offered to her younger sisters. "That way you can each help one family; if we all choose a family each, then we will have seven families total that will have a better holiday!"
The almost thirteen-year-olds grinned and replied together, "Thanks, Tali."
Anthony looked up from his tablet, "I want to do more than just the suggested two-hundred-dollar amount that buys a Christmas dinner, a few toys, basic clothing, and maybe a treat or two. I want to buy them more food either by getting staples and canned goods or by grocery store gift cards or both. I can afford up to five hundred dollars. I just checked my account balances. Who's in with me?"
"I like that idea; and you all can put whatever money you were going to spend on a gift for me towards helping a family," Tali grinned at her brother. Anthony had come up with an excellent idea. "Let's share our ideas with Ima and Abba at dinner."
"I'm in on Anthony's idea; and Tali's idea about skipping gifts to each other to help our chosen families," LJ replied. "I have to get Ima to check my account balance, but I am pretty sure I have enough."
The three looked at their twin sisters; Riv and Beth shared a look before Riv replied.
"I have about three hundred fifty dollars to use," she looked to her older sister.
"I will cover the other hundred and fifty. What about you, Beth?"
The almost teen pulled up her account on her phone, "I have four hundred dollars."
Tali nodded, "I have the additional hundred for you. So, it's agreed that we each adopt a family and spend about five hundred dollars getting the things on their wish lists, a holiday dinner, and groceries for the family we choose. I'll start the conversation with Ima and Abba at dinner; you all can back me up and add your ideas. Sound good?"
All four of the younger DiNozzos gave their big sister a signature DiNozzo grin and a thumb's up gesture. They were excited about helping families that were in need. In addition, plans were already in place for the annual visit to kids in the area hospitals with the NCIS employees and retirees' annual tradition. Anthony had been selected to be one of three teen Santas this year; he was beyond excited to make the step up from helper elf to full Santa role for the first time.
At dinner, Tali waited until most of the family had finished eating before broaching the subject. "Ima, Abba, you know how we always choose two families from the Angel Tree or the Giving Tree to sponsor for the holidays?"
Ziva nodded as did Tony; both wondered where Tali was headed with the conversation.
She gestured to her siblings, "We've already discussed this and this year we'd like to do something different."
"We've always sponsored a family or two, Tals," Tony cut in. "I thought we voted as a family to continue that tradition indefinitely?"
Tali nodded, "We did, Abba. Hear me out. What we discussed to change is that we adopt a family each this year. We all have had some income this year, be it from jobs or winning prizes. We can each afford to adopt a family." She looked to her siblings.
Anthony continued the conversation, "What we want to do is get the usual holiday dinner, the basics, and toys requested plus add in more groceries and or grocery store gift cards. That way the families will have food for more than just the holiday; maybe some special treats for them as well. I proposed that we look at spending about five hundred per family instead of the usual two hundred."
"And you can still pick two families so that we will sponsor a total of seven this year," LJ chimed in. "Ima, can we check my balances later so I can be sure I have enough?"
Tali looked to her parents, "We also collectively decided not to buy gifts for each other so that money could be used to help the families."
"Wow!" Tony was in awe of his kids' generosity and thoughtfulness. "I'm speechless… I absolutely love this idea. What do you think Zi?"
Ziva was as stunned as her husband, "That I am so proud of my children at the moment and that I am totally on board with this plan. I think it is a wonderful idea."