The magic of Christmas in Chicago is palpable. From the dazzling displays on Michigan Avenue to the twinkling lights adorning homes in every neighborhood, a sense of unity and festive cheer pervades the city. This year, the spirit of Christmas touched me in a profoundly personal way, beginning with a simple act of kindness that sparked a wave of generosity.

Shortly after Thanksgiving, a well-worn box arrived at our church. Inside, nestled atop a reused garbage bag, was a handwritten note from a stranger in Arkansas. She expressed her admiration for our community work and her desire to contribute, despite her limited resources. The first item I unearthed was a pair of size 6 snow boots – a near-perfect fit for a young boy whose mother, a hardworking single parent, had recently mentioned needing winter boots for him. Overwhelmed with gratitude, I continued to unpack the remaining gifts, marveling at this stranger's thoughtful gesture.

This single act of giving set off a chain reaction. In the following days, more boxes arrived from across the country – California, New Jersey, Arizona – filled with warm clothing and accompanied by heartfelt letters from individuals who had heard about our work through media appearances and articles. I enlisted the help of some teenagers to carry the overflowing donations to our sorting room, using this opportunity to highlight the power of believing in oneself and paying kindness forward.

The influx of gifts continued, requiring even more volunteers to sort through the mountains of new sweaters, socks, underwear, shirts, pants, and shoes. The generosity of these donors, many of whom were of modest means themselves, was a testament to the spirit of Proverbs 19:17: "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done."

As we distributed the gifts, I shared the story of the house cleaner who drove forty miles to donate a box of socks, emphasizing the importance of giving, even when it seems like we have little to offer. I reminded the children that true giving goes beyond material possessions; it encompasses acts of service, kindness, and compassion in our daily lives. A smile, a listening ear, a helping hand – these are all valuable gifts we can share with others.

While the festive decorations and seasonal traditions contribute to the Christmas spirit, the true essence of the holiday lies in the act of giving. To all those who so generously donated to our youth, I extend my deepest gratitude and wish you a very Merry Christmas.