A Breaking and Entering Christmas

For the last several years my family has been invited to participate with several other good souls in a wonderful experience during the holiday season. It is referred to as "Breaking and Entering" and was started by Little Tommy of radio station 96.5. Little Tommy recieves dozens of letters each year at Christmas time. Each letter speaks to the dire circumstances of a family - extreme poverty, a recent death in the family, a loss of employment, etc., leaving the family with no means to provide any type of Christmas for their kids or themselves. The letters are submitted not by the family themselves but instead by someone close to the family that knows of their circumstances. It could be a neighbor, friend or relative of the family (the "Elf"). Little Tommy sifts through the letters, picks out a couple of them and then coordinates a major effort to bring a joyous Christmans to those families. Unfortunately he can't help everyone. Several years ago a friend of mine approached Little Tommy and asked him to forward the remaining letters on to him. He could do the same thing as Little Tommy so that a couple more families lives could be blessed.
My friend approached me three years ago, told me of the "Breaking and Entering" experience and asked if my family and I would like to participate. We jumped at the chance. So each year in December we have joined him and several others to bring Christmas to those in need. Here is how it works - we coordinate with the "Elf" (the one who submitted the letter) to pick a time when the family will be away from their home or apartment. The "Elf" lets us into the home. We clean it from top to bottom, set up a Christmas tree, put presents under the tree for each of the family members, leave some food and some gift cards to purchase the necessities of life and get out before the family returns. We have even bought furniture at times when there was such a need. Though we aren't there when the family arrives home to see the wonder in their eyes, the "Elf" is, and they give us a report, which always warms the heart. Though this little act of kindness may not be a life changer for the family, it certainly lifts their spirits for a time and lets them know they are loved. Not only is this a wonderful blessing to the family, but perhaps the greater blessing is to all of us who have participated.
This year we have decided that rather than just be a participant in this experience we want to actually lead the charge, and do it as a company. So the Cornerstone team is going to receive several letters from Little Tommy. We will choose two or three families to bring Christmas to. It has been such a remarkable experience for us that we wanted to invite any of you, our Cornerstone Community, to also participate if you would like to. Please, Please don't feel obligated. But if you would like to join in we would love to have you.