Christmas is a special time of the year for all of us. It’s when friends and family come together to celebrate all that is good. We know there are many out there less fortunate. We live in one of the richest counties in America, but the need for Christmas joy has never been greater. To families struggling to provide basic needs, Christmas can be an overwhelming time.

I remember being in such a family as a small boy. My Dad had just started his business and my Mom was working full time at Campbell's soup. They were putting food on the table and keeping the lights on, but there was no extra money. I can only imagine how my parents must have felt.  With three small boys, no money for presents, mom and dad did the only thing they could do. Mom took toys that we already had cleaned them.  Dad fixed the broken ones.  They wrapped each and every one of them with love.  Come Christmas morning, my brothers and I had the best time ever. Love abounded and we were blessed. 

Spring forward to 2011, these issues still exist.  Dads are working harder than ever.  Mom has to work because together they cannot bring in a steady income. This year, during Thanksgiving and Christmas, our membership stepped up again to provide aid and comfort to those in need.  I was so grateful that the Board approved funds for three different groups this year. 

We gave $500 to Western Fairfax Catholic Ministries to buy turkeys and $1000 to Fairfax Community Outreach to buy gift cards to distribute to families that allowed them to buy food specific to their culture. So they might pass their heritage and customs down to there children. Finally we gave $500 to Our Neighbor's Child.org which thru a partnership with Paisano's Pizza and Ourisman Automotive Group were able to provide requested Christmas presents to the kids of over 2800 families.

Our Neighbor Child is an incredible organization and every dollar they collect is used to buy gifts.  Our members were able to work along side students from Centerville, Chantilly, and Westfields High School. When Governor Tom Pavlik and I toured the donated warehouse space, we were truly amazed. Tom knew for sure we were on the right track. The members who were involved on the delivery day of, December 18 will not forget the tears of joy from struggling parents or the shrieks of delight from the kids when "Santa" came a knocking. Talk about the true joy of Christmas. I'm getting a little chocked up right now just thinking about those smiling happy faces. Those families were so grateful, but those who helped were really blessed. It was a very merry Christmas indeed in Fairfax County and our members were a big part of it.

Please the next time pizza is on the menu, think about ordering from Paisano's pizza. They are partners in our community. 

Finally, Be Kind, Be Wise, Walk in Grace, See the World with caring eyes, and have a Hopeful point of View! 

May 2012 be your best year ever,
Michael Cogburn