In Loudoun County, Virginia, there has been a Holiday Coalition the past several years. For this coalition, hundreds, maybe even thousands, of new toys are donated for people who can not afford to buy gifts for their families. These toys are wonderful; there is everything from Barbie dolls to bikes to Monopoly.

The past two years, I have volunteered there as a shopper. As a shopper, I walk around with the people shopping and let them know how many of each toy they can get, and any toy advice they may need. It has honestly been such a positive experience. However, there is one lady that has stood out in my mind ever since I helped her.

It was early December, and the lady had just gotten eye surgery for cataracts. She could not see for the moment, but by Christmas she would be able to see again. However, for the time being, she had no way to see the gifts she was picking for her children. So she gave me the reigns, and allowed me to pick out what I thought her children would like best based off her descriptions. As we were going through all the toys together, I would describe to her what I was picking out. She was so excited and was just radiating positive energy. It honestly made my day to help her find these gifts for her family.

Sometimes, I like to think about how their Christmas morning went. I like to imagine the surprise and joy of her children, who most likely did not expect to get so many new toys and games. I also like to think about how she regains her sight in time for Christmas, so she is able to watch the smiles of her children grow as they open their presents. It just makes me so happy inside.

Unfortunately, the Holiday Coalition will not be returning to Loudoun this year. The volunteer group that runs it did not have the funds to continue renting a warehouse to store all the toys and run the actual Coalition each December. I am very disappointed about by that, because it has been one of the best places I have volunteered. I am not sure where I will end up volunteering this Christmas, but I hope I can find somewhere that spreads as much joy as the Holiday Coalition did.

Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and I love having the opportunity to make other people's Christmas experiences better. Perhaps this year I will do it by donating toys to Toys for Tots or being a bell ringer outside a grocery store. Only time will tell, but I do know one thing is for sure. No child should have to be told that Santa could not stop by the house this year.