ies onto the stage of the gym where there were hundreds and hundreds of toys. Our job was to sort them out into gender and age groups. For Christmas we learned the families that come here its all they have so they like to make the children feel like they have a Christmas dinner with presents and all. Local businesses, families, and even through some fund-raisers donated all the toys that were there early in the year. Everything seems to be ready and set to go. We were given last minute instructions. It was our duty to serve the people coming in from past experience it seemed the most effective instead of having each individual go through. Fights were common we were told and by us serving the food to them the likely hood of a fight breaking out over food was much less. We had strict rules on no seconds until everyone had food. To smile was one of the most emphasized because a smile from a complete stranger could uplift the whole day.The people started to come and I couldn't believe the diversity. Hundreds of people at first I think I was scared of them. But soon you began to understand they had been victims to things out of their control now not all of them are but the families with young children. Seeing the longing and hunger they had just broke my heart. I soon began to get on a personal level with them. I fell in love with every child I talk to. I was given the job of handing out the toys later on in the day. The light and laughter that came when a child picked a toy just made my whole heart smile. The day was an uplifting one and a time for me to actually be thankful for the things i have. I learned so much from a single child then I had my whole life in thinking i was better then them. The tradition continues with my family. We serve either Thanksgiving or Christmas every year and I can't think of a better way to spend a holiday....
