[trainlady]

I think it was Christmas 1977 or 78.
My family made "stockings" out of small brown paper bags and filled them with fruit, hard candies and chocolates.
We walked around downtown Bakersfield and under the Beale Street bridge giving out our "stockings" to people who were homeless.
It was my first experience "giving" to a person on the streets.
I will never forget that first man I gave to. He was asleep under the eave of a building and as I approached him my mom said to be careful that I didn't startle him.
I touched his shoulder and asked if I could give him a Christmas stocking and a hug.
Well, HE started crying and said I was the only person who remembered him at Christmas.

And all it was was an orange and some candy.

hugs, Donna