Every Christmas I lead a group of carolers at the office, singing in the lobby of our building, at various parties, etc. It's wonderful to hear the 25 or so voices echoing in the lobby, and gratifying to see people joining in or just stopping to listen with a smile.

Yesterday, we had our office Christmas lunch, and as usual everyone brought Toys for Tots donations and food donations, which we collect and distribute every year. At the end of the party, as I was preparing to collect the food to bring as usual to my local soup kitchen, I decided to try something different.

"Does anyone want to take this food to distribute to their own favorite charity? Your church, or some other group?" I asked.

One woman from my work group said quietly, "My brother needs it." She left with a carload of groceries for her own brother.

We sing, we do what we have to do.