I was looking at various websites that advertise merchandise for Christmas gifts and was astonished by some of the prices.

For instance, a sports store chain will allow you the privilege of wearing a New York Mets jersey with the name Beltran on the back for the price of $250. Of course, if you were really serious about Christmas gifts, you would be shelling out $400 for the Wii electronic game system. Or you could surprise someone with a pair of orchestra seats or a Broadway show that could run you about $250.

As we move into our second week of The Tablet’s annual Bright Christmas campaign, I can assure you that we are not about to waste your money by spending on such extravagant items. Bright Christmas gifts are more likely to be dolls, coloring books and crayons, or perhaps a sweater or a couple of pairs of socks.

Setting High Standard

If the response to our drive is like the past few years, we should collect about $125,000, which we will then distribute to pastors, priests, sisters and other diocesan leaders who work with young people. Our instruction to them is simple – use the money to buy something for Christmas for the young people in your care.

Some parishes and day care centers have Bright Christmas parties with Santa Claus giving out gifts to the children. Eyes sparkle and youngsters are jubilant at the sight of Santa. For some, it may be all they’re going to receive for Christmas. Often, the children will entertain Santa with a program of carols. Some parents will attend. Bright Christmas will have had the desired effect.

I have attended many of these parties and can report back to you, our generous readers, that nothing touches the hearts more than little children smiling with faces filled with hope. All because you cared enough to send us a few bucks.

The money has begun to arrive here at The Tablet’s offices. This morning, we deposited a little more than $10,000 into the Bright Christmas account. But there are many more envelopes waiting to be opened. Like other years, some are contributions of hundreds of dollars and some are a couple of bucks from people on a fixed income. Be assured that every dollar counts when we add up the totals and send the funds out into our neighborhoods.

Sometimes, people will write or say something like, “I wish it could be more.” That’s not necessary. Every donation is sincerely appreciated.

He’s Got the Spirit

I recently received a generous donation from Art Lucia of Floral Park. He included a note with his check that captured the spirit of Bright Christmas. He wrote: “Mrs. Lucia and I both loved children and always commented to each other when some organization would write us and ask us to contribute to them for the poor starving, etc. children in some foreign nation. Why don’t we get asked to feed our own poor, starving children? So, she in particular would find some individual or an organization in the U.S., or hopefully, in New York. Last month, she passed away and I have to carry on now alone. I’ll do the best I can.”

Our prayers go out to Art on the loss of his dear wife but we can assure him that all the children assisted by Bright Christmas live right here in Brooklyn and Queens. Like Mr. Lucia, we have often marveled at how generous our local people can be.

Parish organizations conduct drives. Local schools are quick to assist others in need. But they need not look too far for recipients of their charity. Let Bright Christmas be the conduit for your generosity.

To make a donation to Bright Christmas, simply make out a check to Bright Christmas and mail it to The Tablet, 310 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY, 11215.