To the Editor:

Thank you to the generous and loving individuals who made sure that Christmas morning will be merry and bright for over 2,000 of our area’s poorest kids by participating in this year’s HomeFront Christmas Wishes drive. Viewing the amazing results of your efforts is always a magical time for staff and visitors at HomeFront. Our warehouse seems like the North Pole and always puts a look of wonder on even the oldest and most jaded!

However, what you have done for these kids born into homelessness and poverty is about so much more than toys and clothes and the magic of Christmas. It is about belief, not only in Christmas, but the children’s belief in themselves as special and valuable people. Your personalized gifts show that someone out there is thinking of them and cares who they are — that they are cherished and important. Your efforts have laid another big brick on the path each of them will need to walk toward a solid future.

Your generosity has, once again, left me breathless and also hopeful. Thank you all.

With warm wishes for this holiday season,

Connie Mercer

Executive Director, HomeFront