M. and I aren’t exchanging gifts this year.
Instead, we made a donation to a local charity
–Unity Care Group-
that helps foster children have a nice Christmas.
We’re participating in food and clothing drives again this year.
And we’re encouraging others to do the same.

But about St. Jude:

The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital helps and saves children with cancer
and other serious diseases. No child is turned away for
any reason, including inability to pay.

It became the beneficiary of my will
years ago when my TV remote landed on an infomercial of theirs.
Half a box of tissues later and an email to my lawyer and my will was changed.

And about Unity Care:

Unity Care helps at-risk youth in San Jose and the Bay area.

There are so many worthwhile organizations that need our time and money
this season and all year around.
If you’re lucky enough to be in position to help with either time or money,
I promise you it will make your holiday very special.

And next time someone asks what you’d like for Christmas
you might consider asking for a small donation
to your favorite charity.

And like a band of angels, together we can spread hope and happiness
to those for whom it is in short supply.