Dear Santa:
I think it's so important to teach our young people the gift of being a cheerful giver. Certainly you know the importance of giving, Santa!
One of the ways I've been able to teach my own kids the joy of giving is through The Salvation Army "angel tags" hung on trees in local businesses across the county. I let each of my three children pick a tag off of the tree that lists the age, gender and wish list of a child in need.
My kids love choosing the presents and imagining the joy of the receiver as they open their gifts. (Sometimes my children even want to use a dollar or two of their own allowance, which makes me smile.)
This is a great lesson for them at Christmas and we are able to have important conversations about compassion, empathy and sacrifice.
In the future, my kids may not remember the specific toy that was given or even received during this season, but I believe they will remember the lesson of reaching out in simple ways to make the holiday a little brighter for someone else.
Merry Christmas, Amy
Please help by giving generously to the Sun-Gazette and The Salvation Army Santa Fund. You can help make this a brighter holiday season for local families by making a contribution in person to any branch of M&T Bank or by mail to M&T Bank at 405 River Ave.; at The Salvation Army, 457 Market St.; or the Sun-Gazette office, 252 W. Fourth St., Williamsport, PA 17701.
The Santa Fund is a fundraiser organized by the Sun-Gazette and The Salvation Army to help local families in need.
