"We need toys for the children," were the words I heard in response to my question on how I could help a homeless mission.

Toys? For the children? Wow, I had never thought about homeless children needing toys. Shame on me.

Called to the cause, I enlisted my friends and family to help me collect toys and two of my friends answered in a big way. Marilyn, a second-grade teacher, enlisted the children of the elementary school my own children had attended. Another friend-teacher had the students of the Interact Rotary Club at the high school collect.

In the past two years, our efforts have garnered over 450 toys for the children. Last night, I participated in "Christmas in the Streets" and helped handout food, clothing and gifts to over 100 homeless members of the community in Pittsburgh. How humbling to be part of this important ministry.

The gratitude of these folks touched my heart and I was the receipient of numerous hugs. It was my honor to work with the ministry and serve these people.

We have so many blessings in our life - let's share the blessings.