I have always taught my children that it is better to give than to receive.

There are so many people here in America or around the world who probably won't have a Christmas to call their own simply because they are too poor and cannot afford to get each other gifts, nourishing food, or even a Christmas tree.  To them, Christmas day is just like any other day.

This is where we come in.  We make angels out of paper with a child's name/age and present affixed to them.  We choose names out of a basket that poor children of our community put into a drawing and depending on the name, a child then gets a gift such as a new dolly, a bicycle, action figures, toy cars or trucks, or even simple games to keep them amused and entertained for hours.  The local firefighters, police, EMTs, paramedics, and whatnot donate their time by purchasing brand new toys from local toy stores or stores like Wal*Mart and then our elves get busy and get everything ready for the children when we have the annual Christmas Toy Drive/Christmas Dinner.

It is always a huge success.

In addition to the toys the children get, they also get new clothes, shoes, socks, underwear, etc. and the family gets a food basket full of food, as well as prayer, and a chance to be loved upon by caring members of our city.  It is a joy to watch the faces break out into absolute joy as the presents are handed out, and more often than not, people have burst out crying because they are so overwhelmed by the love and generosity of people.  Our city is truly one who lives out the Christmas message of "goodwill towards all mankind", not only at Christmas, but during the entire year.

Oh, and each family also gets a predecorated tree to put into their apartment or house for them to enjoy.

We often forgo our own presents or interests in order to bring happiness to others.  I just wish more communities (or people in general) reached out to those who are in most in need.  Nobody should ever go without anything to open on Christmas Day, especially the children or the elderly or disabled.  We aim to bring Christmas miracles to one person at a time, and we aim to continue this tradition as long as we are able to!

So on that note, Merry Christmas! And may God bless us, each and every one!!