President, Hope Through Housing Foundation

‘The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads,” so goes the classic Christmas carol.

Although I’m not sure how many kids will be dreaming of sugar plums this year, I am certain over the next three weeks, my daughters and your children, grandchildren or neighbors will be dreaming about the gifts that might arrive under the tree on Christmas morning.

For most of us, there is something very special about this season. The holiday lights, the music, the food and festivities, and a buzz in the air. True, it’s also the busiest shopping season of the year, when retailers are betting on our generosity and long receipts.

According to a report recently released by the National Retail Federation, a survey of consumers of various ages indicated that 78% are planning to spend the same or more on gifts this holiday season than they did last year.

My hope is that those dollars are put to good use and that their loved ones appreciate the generosity. But, if someone asked us about the presents we unwrapped last year, I wonder how many of us could recount the gifts we received. Personally, I would have a difficult time.

There is a gift, however, that I know can make a lasting impact. But you don’t purchase it at a store, it doesn’t come giftwrapped, and it’s a present for someone you don’t know.

Having spent the last two decades working with at-risk youth and families, I’ve seen the impact that a year-end donation can make when invested in a reputable local charity. Across our region there are thousands of organizations working to protect the vulnerable, feed the hungry, house the homeless, and break the cycle of poverty for our next generation.

This holiday season, I hope you will join me in adding one more name to your holiday gift-giving list - a local nonprofit whose beneficiaries will be blessed by your gift throughout the coming year.

For more about Hope Through Housing Foundation, visit www.HTHF.org.