A Raye of Hope

SAGLE — One person can make a difference.

Consider Raye Johnson, who, for the last six years, has organized her family, friends, and followers across the country into a dedicated team that makes Christmas merry for all.

"It went really well this year," Raye said. "They were all super, super kind, and there wasn't a single person who was mean or grouchy."

Since its start six years ago, the Raye of Hope drive has given those in need a variety of necessary items and a few treats as well as compassion and love.

"It's just really cool that one little girl can have such an effect," mom Trina Johnson said recently. "One little girl on a mission can grow, and people across the whole country show up because of one little girl. So one person really can make a difference."

Roughly 150 backpacks are packed with warm socks, lip balm, toothbrushes, hand warmers, blankets, and other items. In addition, stockings are filled with assorted treats and candies so that their Christmas is as much like everyone else's as possible.

Many of the practical items have been added to the list because of conversations she's had with the men and women she's talked with. The candy and treats are because everyone deserves something nice at Christmas, Raye said.

The annual drive has taken off, with supporters from around the country sending in donations and items from Raye For Hope's online wishlist. Longtime supporters know what to look for and, as it goes on sale, will purchase the items in bulk and have them sent to the Johnsons.

A storage unit, donated by Troy's Mini Barn for the months leading up to Christmas, helps them keep the items safe and secure without taking over their home.

It's the sixth year that Raye and her family have gone to area homeless camps and shelters to make sure that they, too, have a merry Christmas.

"It's just incredible; Raye has such a heart," Trina Johnson said.

The first time the family helped the homeless was when Raye was 4 years old. They had gone down to Spokane for something, and the youth happened to see several homeless people outside the car window. She wouldn't rest until her family agreed to come back to bring what they could to help them out.

At first, her parents were concerned by Raye's determination to be in the thick of handing out donations, making sure they have what they need, and forging friendships with the men and women.

"Now they're used to it," Raye said with a grin at her parents' reaction to her determination to help and to forge those friendships. "It took them a few years, though."

Trina and Kyle Johnson nodded and then laughed.

"We're finally learning to follow directions," Trina Johnson joked.

But, turning serious, she said Raye's ability to see those struggling and give them back their humanity is inspiring.

"That's my favorite part of what she does," Trina Johnson said. "She doesn't just hand them a backpack and keep moving. She doesn't drop them off at a mission. She talks to them; she asks them how their day is going; she spends Christmas with them."

She recalled one year when one man, struggling with putting up a tarp, barked at Raye to go away. It didn't phase her.

"She simply said, 'Hey, I'm a farm girl. I know a thing or two about tying up a tarp, and so she helps him tie up a tarp. Then she walked over to the backpacks with him and gave him his Christmas stuff and backpack."

By the time he walked back to his tent, there was a big smile on his face.

"I want them to have love," Raye said of the men and women she met, many of whom were younger this year. "They're humans, not cockroaches like some people think. … They're human beings. A lot of them have lost their homes, their kids, their wives, or their husbands."

"And," mom Trina Johnson adds, "a lot of them are veterans."

When they receive the backpacks, the men and women are happy and appreciative. Raye said she loves handing them out personally and talking to them.

"It was sunny this year, so it seemed like I got to spend more time with each one," she added. "I got to pray with them and really visit with them. There were a lot of people with cute dogs, and there were a lot of caring people; they were helping each other."

This year, after receiving the backpacks and stockings, one of the men returned with something for Raye.

"After the husband brought the gifts back, the wife was so happy and thankful she made me a handmade Christmas card," Raye said. "It was so special."

The annual drive is now a family tradition, one that Raye said she plans to continue permanently. "I want my kids to do it; I want my kids' kids to do it; and my kids' kids' kids to do it, too."

Raye, who just turned 11, has big plans for the future. She wants to create an office space and a headquarters for Ray of Hope. She also wants to transform it into a nonprofit so that she can do even more for those in need.

"I would like to be a real charity to make this bigger," she said. "I want bigger companies to be able to be sponsors. I would like to reach 1000 people, or maybe even more, and I would like to do some more holidays other than Christmas, like Valentine's Day, Easter, and stuff."

Work on the next Raye of Hope drive has already begun. A link on the family's website and social media directs people to where they can learn more about the drive and donate.

Information: bit.ly/rayeofhope

    Raye Johnson offers comfort to a homeless man after handing him a Christmas backpack and stocking during this year's Raye of Hope drive.
  

    Raye Johnson talks to several homeless men while helping them pick out needed toiletries and other items during the recent Raye of Hope drive.
  

    Raye Johnson gives some love to a dog during a trip to give Christmas backpack and stockings to homeless men and women. Part of her Raye of Hope drive, the effort is designed to ensure everyone has a merry Christmas.
  

    The Johnson family takes a selfie during this year's Raye of Hope drive.