Being Santa

[Len]

Since my wife no longer works in the local school district and I'm no longer on the school board I've given up the job as Santa. For several years I would visit the little ones in pre-school, kindergarten and first grade on the day before they would have off for the Christmas holiday. I'd have each kid on my lap for a minute or two give them a little something and have their picture taken with me while we talked. This annual event always brought a special feeling of Christmas to my heart.

While most of the little ones in our area have a decent home many were dirt poor and asked Santa for socks or some small thing that meant a lot to them. I'll always carry the images and feelings that Santa saw and felt in those classrooms, they made me a better person.

This experience with kids made me realize how many people in our town, state, country and planet need the basics of survival. Most of humanity doesn't have the basic necessities and it's important for those of us with more than we need to share it with those in need. Organizations like schools, fire departments, police stations, churches, the Red Cross, UN Children's Fund, etc. collect gifts and money to help the less fortunate around the world. So with our help these and other fine people can help relieve suffering in places where we as individuals cannot.

Please share whatever you can with those less fortunate than yourself, this is the message that Christmas has sent for hundreds of years and it's still the best message that we can carry in our hearts.

May you carry Santa and the spirit of this great holiday with you throughout the new year.

HO! HO! HO! Merry Christmas boys and girls.

[fixdent]

Very nice post, Len.....

Merry Christmas, to you, and your family.

--
Gordon

[Henry]

Len, I remember when I started on this board 8 years ago and you posted how you were doing that. Great memories for you, your wife AND all those kids!
I am fearful of some of the big organizations that collect money. I heard something on the radio for several that gave a breakdown of each dollar raised and where it went. Administrative costs are more than half of all money raised. And several years ago I found out a very large portion of United Way money went to political campaign funding.
I have been checking with ours and other local town halls for people in real need and have been donating "directly to the people". I'm looking to drop $500 to a local family who has a child with cancer at St Jude's Hospital to lighten the burden for them. I've not found one yet but I will. I know this is the shop board but since it's the season and you opened the door then oh well.
A great holiday season to all on this board. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!!! Henry