HOLIDAY 2008 THANK YOU

Dear Friends-

We've just begun the New Year and the holidays are barely behind us even though it feels like spring! It is about the holidays that I write and more specifically, the incredible differences you made to so many. Ironically, just as the weather now is bright and wonderful in the midst of winter, it's similar to the warmth and joy you brought to what would otherwise have been bleak and gray times for neighbors in need.

In 1897, an 8-year-old little girl wrote to the editor of the Sun newspaper in what has become the history's most reprinted newspaper editorial ever asking if there was a Santa Claus. Her answer in part was “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certain as love and generosity and devotion exist and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy! Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence…No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives and he lives forever! A thousand years from now, nay ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

In 2007, perhaps it's best expressed by the mom of one of the families you helped this year ­

I am writing this letter to give my deepest gratitude for the sponsors for making my family's Christmas such a special day. If it were not for their compassion for those who are less fortunate, it would have been a sad morning for our children.

Their expressions of glee as they were screaming coming down the steps, was such a warm feeling it bought tears to my eyes. Just the thought of someone going to the length of shopping for the things my family most needed, warm clothing, coats, toys, etc makes me cry. Thank you so much for all you have done for us.

Also, the food was greatly appreciated and needed. Thank everyone who blessed our family this holiday season. We will never forget you ever. May God bless you, each and every one!