Because I still can, and because it feels good

A nearby grocery store hangs hearts on their Christmas tree, and each construction paper heart includes the holiday wish list of a neighborhood kid who either lives in, or attends specially-priced daycare at, our local children's home. I took 7-year-old Troy's "heart." Instead of toys, he wants a sweater. And so he shall have one. I picked up a green and blue striped sweater in his size from Old Navy. I'm also going to include a couple Hot Wheels cars in his gift package, because you really can't play with a Christmas pullover, can you?

Toy drives like this are important because all kids should be encouraged to dream and believe in the magic of the holidays. I can only imagine how heartbreaking it would be like to be young and not get anything fun and surprising at Christmas.

If you'd like to participate in a similar program, but don't know how to go about it, here's a link to the Today Show Toy Drive. It explains how you can contribute online, and how the toys collected are distributed to kids in all 50 states through "homeless shelters, children's group homes, schools, foster family services, domestic abuse shelters, Native American missions, military bases, hospitals, preschools, after school programs, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America."

I understand if you're reluctant to give in these uncertain times. I'm afraid of losing my job and am looking for ways to tighten my belt. But charities are in a special bind when the economy is bad. Just when contributions are drying up, more people have a need for their services.

Also, it's fun to think of 7-year-old Troy opening a Christmas gift from a complete stranger and finding it contains just what he asked for.