We all, at times, take for granted what we have, and sometimes it takes a special story to remind us of how lucky and fortunate we are indeed. Whether we believe in Santa Claus or not, Santa keeps his eyes on all of us. "He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake ..." You know the rest! When he sees that someone or some family in this world won't be able to have a Merry Christmas, it breaks Santa's heart; and this normally jolly old elf sheds a single tear. His elves, helpers and charities all over the world try to assist as much as they can, but sometimes one story every year sticks out in Santa's mind.

W e all know what it is like to suffer and come on hard times. And we all know what it feels like when we just wish someone would lend a hand, tell us that they care and that we are in their thoughts. How does he know a family needs his and his elves’ generosity? Santa watches all year long, and when he sees that one special person or family, well, this jolliest of all elves sheds a single tear. Tears are rare for this jolly old elf, and they never go unnoticed.

Once Santa has found his family(ies) this year, a list of needs will be available. Please help with whatever you are able: clothes, toys, gift cards to grocery stores and department stores, movie passes, DVDs and other ideas for that individual family would be more than generous. Please take some time while you're shopping for your own family during the Christmas season to pick up a couple of things for Santa's Tear. Each donation, large or small, will make sure they have a truly Merrier Christmas!

All donations are tax deductible. As well as purchasing gifts, your financial donations will go towards appropriate gifts and food items. Please make checks out to Spark of Divinity with the designation “Santa’s Tear” in the memo section. PayPal may also be used for debit or credit cards.

If you know of any family(ies) that you would like to bring to Santa’s attention, or if you would like to volunteer to help Santa himself in gathering and delivering all of the gifts just before Christmas, please see Rev. Jacques at Meddy’s Musings for more information. You can also email Santa’s Tear at santastear@meddysmusings.com.