[Mama_Bear]

My husband, along with some of his fellow Rotary members, takes his turn ringing the bell for SA each Christmas season. Maybe Rotary and other service organizations in your community could be tapped for bell ringers?

We have supported SA for years. They do good work in the community. I will never ever give a dime to Red Cross or United Way. In this tough economy, we don't have a lot to give, but SA, Toy for Tots, and Disabled Veterans get all of whatever we can give. I trust those organizations.

[geologist]

Our church buys gifts or the members buy gifts for different ages, of boys and girls and brings them to the Christmas store in the activities building, where they are sorted out on tables. There is very wide assortment for all ages.

Then the children, youths, a few at a time, with a church volunteer, are allowed to come and choose one big thing and one small item, which is then taken and wrapped in Christmas wrappings.

While waiting for the wrapping the gospel is presented to them. So they hear the story of Jesus Christ, forgiveness of sins,and Salvation. God's goodness, mercy, love, and compassion. Prayers of thanksgiving and blessing. Then they take the gifts with them. This is done before Christmas week.