A season of sharing

Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he? -Clarence, It's a Wonderful Life

Last week, I had a real eye-opening experience as to how some people spend their holiday season; in need. The parish we belong to does a yearly gift drive for local families who need some help with gifts for their children. The kid's names are put on pieces of paper and hung on what we call the Angel Tree with their clothing sizes, a toy they are wishing for, and then a "like" which can be a hobby, sport, or movie they are into.

Ben and I pulled our name off the tree and the list was as follows:

• Pants
• Shirts
• Socks
• Likes: Gloves

No Transformers, Cars: the movie (which was a popular one) or a new Kinect. Gloves. This Christmas, our little guy had the opportunity to ask for whatever toy he would like but basic clothing was his gift of choice.There wasn't one toy or what most would call a luxury on the list. While we watch people hoard, race and even mace each other for the latest and greatest toys, the fact is that there are many who would just be happy with something warm to wear, or a meal, or a home over their heads.

So, today I encourage you, my very kind readers, to reach out and share a little bit of what you have this season. There are many ways to do so and I encourage you to look to your own communities first. For starters, you can search for a charity in your area by going to CharityNavigator.com and share a bit of your holiday money or find a shelter or soup kitchen where you can volunteer some of your time here.

Whether you partake in Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, St. Lucia Day, or La Posada, what this time of year celebrates is the capacity for us all to find light in the darkness.  Furthermore, I believe it is a time for us to find the light within ourselves that can be shared and given to others who may not be so lucky.

Tomorrow our Angel Tree recipient will be given his gifts at a party held for all the kids and we're hoping he loves his new duds. If you get the chance, think of our little guy and all the others in your community who need a little extra help, especially during this season.