We have a rule in my family.  My little brother is not allowed to start talking about what he wants for Christmas until after his birthday.  His birthday is in June, so for the rest of the summer, fall, and well into winter, he perfects his wish list.  As new toys are introduced and new DVDs are released, he adds them to his list.  He crosses out the things he can’t wait until Christmas to buy and removes the items he no longer wants.  He talks about his wish list nonstop.  By the time the holiday season actually rolls around, he’s so excited to see what he gets Christmas morning, that he can’t sleep the night before.

Imagine if my little brother woke up, ran out to the living room, and found nothing under the tree.  Unfortunately, that’s the way it goes for many individuals and families in our communities.  The holiday season should be a time of joy and excitement—a time when dreams are realized and wishes are fulfilled.

You can help fulfill the wishes of people in need this holiday season by participating in Volunteers of America of Minnesota’s ninth annual Adopt-a-Family event. Starting today, you, your family, or your corporate group can register to sponsor a family, a child, or a senior in need, by purchasing gifts from wish lists created by Volunteers of America of Minnesota participants.  Last year, 1,270 people were sponsored, and this year, we hope to give even more the chance to experience a merry Christmas.

As you are working on your own Wish List, don’t forget about the best gift of all—the joy you receive when you reach out to someone in need.