Dear Bethlehem Lions Club,

Thirty-Five years ago I moved to your little town from out of state with my former husband and our four small children. The children range a in ages from one to nine years old. My husband found a new job that required him to join a labor union. Shortly thereafter he had to honor a labor strike which resulted in a twelve week loss of income. We were devastated Christmas was up on us and the concern for creating a proper Christmas for our precious children weighed heavy in our hearts. The children of course were confident that Santa would take care of everything.

One Saturday morning in December of that year, the children were all scampering about when a knock came upon our door. My husband was out working on a small odd job, so I, dressed in my bathrobe, reluctantly answered the door. There were three men standing on my porch and after introducing themselves, stated that they were from the Bethlehem Lions Club. The man named. "Dave" said to me that they understood that we were going through a hard time and asked if I could send the children out of the room so they could bring in some things that they hoped would be helpful. I asked my oldest child to take the little ones off to play while Mommy spoke with the gentlemen.

What came next was like a scene from a movie. One by one the men went back and forth to their cars bringing in box after box of groceries and finished up by bringing in four little sleds each filled with age appropriate toys, gifts and goodies for each of my children. I could no longer question the authenticity of Santa Claus because he was standing there, right in my very own living room. I was a believer! (Well may be not in Santa but definitely in Three Wise Men!)

I have never forgotten that act of kindness and have told this story over and over again. The Christmas of 1980 will remain the greatest most meaningful Christmas of a lifetime.

The children are all grown now, with children of their own. Nine beautiful grandchildren to be exact. My children's father is unfortunately no longer
with us. My present husband has stepped up to fill the void of "Gramps" to become "Papa" to all. He is loving and supportive of this family and of this initiative. We no longer live in Bethlehem but just down the hill in Woodbury. However, it is my desire to make a donation of $1,000.00 to the Bethlehem Lions Club. Once recipients of your kindness but now hoping to simply pay it forward:

I would be additionally grateful if these funds could be specifically designated for the purpose of providing Holiday relief to other families of Bethlehem. We wish you continued success as you strive to bring hope and joy to the lives of our neighbors during their times of need.

With my deepest gratitude,