By Gretchen Keiser

Everyone remembers a childhood Christmas, waking up with a joy and excitement that propelled you from bed, usually in near dark, to see what was under the tree. That year, presents seemed to arrive via some sweet, anonymous outpouring of generosity, without bills or price tags or January budget woes.

It was, perhaps, a child’s version of the true Christmas message--innocently accepting a gift from someone unseen, completely believing that this present had just arrived in the night while everyone slept. The spirit of contagious, traveling right through the family as long as the littlest one still had Christmases like that to experience.

It doesn’t have to stop them.

Each year--and all year long--there are ways to share generously and there doesn’t have to be a price tag. But, especially at Christmas, when everyone’s focus is on gifts, here is a list of some that could be given this month or throughout the year which would extend generosity and joy throughout the larger family:

FOR CHILDREN--The Village of St. Joseph helps children in families experiencing difficulties and works through education and special care to heal the children and the rest of the family. The Village always needs volunteers to tutor children in subjects and work with them on a one-to-one basis. Some volunteers come one or two mornings a week or one day a week. Schedules can be arranged. It is also possible to sponsor a child at the Village. For more information, Sister Catherine Lucien, CSJ, who is administrator of the Village, would be happy to help.

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD--Joining the St. Vincent de Paul Society in your parish helps the group to work with people in the neighborhood who may need food or help paying utility bills or someone to talk to. Part of the work of the Society is visiting homes and helping those who may simply be lonely and isolated. They need more members and, in parishes which do not yet have a local conference, the Society needs people interesting in starting one.

AROUND TOWN--The perennial symbol of Christmas, the Salvation Army’s red kettle, back and needs a hand. The Army is recruiting bell ringers who can man a kettle and accept donations during the Christmas season. Singing voice not required. The Army also serves as a clearing house for Christmas assistance in metro-Atlanta, so it is a good place to go in search of someone to help at this time of year and a good place to notify if you know of someone in need of help this Christmas.

THE HOMELESS--For the second year, Central Presbyterian Church, across from the state capitol building in Atlanta, is opening its doors as a nightly shelter for the city’s homeless during cold winder months. Volunteers are needed from 6:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. to help man the shelter and people are also needed to provide sandwiches each night to feed those who come to sleep on a bare gymnasium floor.

FOR THE ELDERLY--Sisters Theresa Termini, Marcella Myer, and Roberta Joseph Sutton work around the year, providing food, small gifts and visits to the elderly who have been isolated by illness and age and changing neighborhoods in the city. They would be happy to work with individuals or families who would like to provide gifts or Christmas cookies or simply mail a card to the people they befriend.

FAMILY TO FAMILY--Through the Christian Council of Metropolitan Atlanta, families in need of help can be matched up with families who would like to help--or with parishes or groups. The Christmas season “Adopt A Family” program brings the two families together.

NEW ARRIVALS--Two programs based in Catholic Social Services work with those in special need. Crisis Pregnancy Service needs shelter homes where pregnant women can stay while awaiting the birth of a baby. The Refugee and Resettlement staff works with those arriving in this country who need most basic necessities, clothes, household items and furniture.