Page 28 of Family Bonds: Alana & Brennan
“Got it,” she said. It’s not like she had plans on a Friday night. “I’d love to help with that as well.”
“Perfect,” Diane said. “It’s hard to get people there that time of year or on a Friday. I have my staff start in the afternoon so there isn’t as much to do after five. We might not need you at all. On Saturday families come to pick everything up between nine and noon.”
“Let me know if you need me then too.”
“You’re a lifesaver,” Diane said, rubbing her hand on Alana’s arm.
She’d been hearing that a lot.
For an hour people came in with gifts and she directed them toward the appropriate pile where they could drop them off, answered questions, and took cash and gift card donations.
She heard her name yelled and turned to see Becca take off and run toward her before Brennan could pull his daughter back.
She broke away from the massive pile of toys that kept building and squatted down for a hug.
Becca hit her full force and almost knocked her back, having to reach for the ground to balance.
“I should have warned you she’s strong,” Brennan said, jogging after Becca. “Honey, you can’t butt in line.”
“I wanted to hug Alana.”
“It’s okay.” She stood up with the little girl in her arms. “Why don’t you get in line? Becca can help me direct traffic.”
“Yes. Go, Daddy.” Becca pointed her finger at her father to get lost. The chagrined look on his face was pretty comical. Guess he wasn’t used to his daughter telling him to scram.
“Hi,” Alana said to the woman coming in with a bag of toys. “We are sorting them by age group.” She pointed to the pile next to her and the ones to the right with the tags on the tables so they knew. That was her idea in case one volunteer was pulled away.
“We brought three toys,” Becca said. “I wanted to play with them first, but Daddy said I couldn’t. I just wanted to make sure that they worked.”
Another woman dropping off toys laughed over that statement.
“Aren’t you just a cutie? I’m here with the paper to get some pictures. I’d love to get it with you and your daughter.”
“Oh, she’s not my daughter.”
“We are friends,” Becca said, hugging her neck. “That’s my Daddy.”
Becca shouted it and waved toward Brennan. He shook his head and rolled his eyes, but stayed in line.
“I’m Olivia and I’ll be right back.”
She watched the woman leave the toy she had with her on the ground by the table, then move toward Brennan to talk.
She couldn’t hear what was being said but had no problem assuming.
When Brennan got to her table, Becca said, “Hi, Daddy. I’m helping.”
“So I see,” he said.
“Our toys go right here,” Becca said. “Because that is what Alana said when I told her what we got.”
“I’m pretty sure it’s the age group.”
He pulled them out of the box he carried in. “It looks it. And Becca is going to get her picture taken handing it to Alana.”
“Yes,” Becca said, wiggling to get down. “I wish Daddy did more with my hair this morning.”
Alana put her hand in front of her mouth to stifle the laughter. Many around heard and the poor guy was flushing.
