for the past 6 years or so, my family and i have helped this program called "Santa's Helpers". what it is, is that the post offices in every town, city, and in every state collect the letters that people have written, and are addressed to the santa program and give them to people whom would like to help make their Christmas wishes come true. this year my mom made me pick up about 10 letters for our family and about 50 more for my mom's hospital...from the oakland post office. i decided to read some in my car before i drove home and these are by far the sadest i have read. most letters were from little kids who have done well in school and their parents that have no income to give them, not only what they want, but what they need (clothes, shoes, underoos even, they also write for their baby brothers and sisters). completely selfless! i was crying while reading all of them and i couldn't imagine what it is like to not have something i was in dire need of.
i think this program is so amazing. if you have the means, you should go down and pick up a few letters... one even. you can send the gifts/gift to the address the have attached. we like to take the presents to their homes. it is a feeling you can never explain. please do this too.