we know what you mean about those “other things” that find their way into presents. Last year, the little boy who needed pajamas, shirts and pants, underwear and socks… also mentioned that he loved Spiderman. Of course, besides the 3 pairs of Spiderman pajamas, pair of Spiderman slipper socks, and Spiderman t-shirt, he also got some Spiderman toys! We pretty much outfitted him for 5 days of the week… and I teared up thinking that this kid didn’t have clothes to go to school in before Christmas. Like Tim, I hope he’s OK this year.

I miss the old Angel Tree set up, because people could buy something off it on a whim. Now, because of liability and other issues, you have to go specifically looking for someone who is involved in it, and be willing to pay for all the presents for each kid you sponsor. I think people were more willing to give when they could go buy a $25 toy and hand it back immediately to the person sitting at the table beside the tree. *sigh*

On Heifer – One day we will figure out how to give a “jackass” to Tim’s dad. Every year he gets something with that theme. That’s the kind of family they are!

My own personal philanthropy is to take care of someone on the opposite end of the spectrum – an older person who needs some help, mostly because of my grandmothers, who is well taken care of but I know there are many seniors who are not. Their requests are usually simple, like a robe and slippers. Of course, other things always seem to make their way into the presents I send.