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WILMINGTON — Eden native Tommy Griffin says that last year was the best Christmas he and daughter Morgann ever had.

For several days, the two worked in their Wilmington kitchen, preparing and cooking turkey, potato salad, green beans, rolls and cookies.

The Griffins and friends Bill Jones and Marcie Smith filled foil trays with the food and about noon on Christmas Eve, the four headed for downtown Wilmington.

They began handing out the trays to homeless people they found wandering the streets: people who were not celebrating with gifts and food in a warm home. Men and women who had spent the previous night sleeping in make-shift shelters, under bridges or anywhere they could find protection from the wind and cold.

The Griffins felt so blessed that they decided to do something for the homeless again this year. Except, as Tommy put it, “Food is gone in just minutes. We wanted to give them something that would last.”

They decided to collect coats, gloves, hats, blankets and other items for the homeless. They told their friends and neighbors about their idea and donations began coming in. Soon, they had a room filled with a variety of things to help keep the homeless warm.

On Saturday night, Tommy and Morgann, Bill and Marcie returned to the streets along the Cape Fear. They were joined by Bill’s brother, J.P., and another man, who brought cash so the “Santas” could purchase flashlights and batteries to add to their gifts.

“We know that some people are less fortunate than others, and we like to try to help in any way we can,” said Tommy, 48.

Tommy’s research turned up a figure of more than 2,500 homeless in Wilmington.

“It’s sad to think about people spending the holidays alone,” added Morgann, 22. “Maybe these gifts of warmth will help them realize they are not alone or forgotten.”

Tommy wishes they could reach more people, but they don’t have the resources. “This year we received many more donations as far as clothing, shoes, socks and blankets than last year,” he said, “and we hope to continue to grow each year.”

Tommy recently returned to work after being out of a job for 14 months — the first time he has been unemployed since junior high school. Even though he had to cut back on a lot of things, he and Morgann still felt the need to share what they had with those less fortunate.

“Christmas isn’t about what we get but what we give to others,” Morgann said.

Sharing doesn’t have to be a large project such as this. It can be small gestures one makes on a day-by-day basis.

One such gesture happened to me recently. I decided to buy some homemade chicken salad from Osborne Baptist Church. As I left home, I picked up $7 because I knew the price wouldn’t be more than that.

As I waited in line at the cafe, a woman came up with a piece of tasty-looking pie. I asked what kind it was and she told me it was lemon chess.

Then she told me there was another piece in the cooler. I explained I had to wait until after I paid for my chicken salad since I had brought only enough money for that and might not have enough extra for pie.

The kind woman insisted I get a piece of the pie, saying she would pay for it. I finally gave in and went to the cooler to take the last piece.

After paying for my chicken salad, I had enough money left for the pie. I looked for the woman, but she had left.

During our short conversation, I learned only that her name is Amelia and she is a retired parole officer from Florida. She said she grew up in Reidsville but now lives in Eden. She also said she is a member of Osborne Baptist Church.

That kind, simple gesture made my day. Often we don’t stop to think how a simple smile or hello to strangers might affect them. They may be having a bad day and a kind gesture will bring a bright spot to it.

Christmas can be celebrated year-round. We don’t need a special event to give to others — be it food, money or a pat on the back.

Let’s celebrate Christ’s birthday all year. Those who do will find their lives are much brighter for it. Those blessings are more meaningful when we do something out of love and kindness and not because it is a special occasion.

Merry Christmas!

Reidsville native Ann Fish has lived in Eden since 1979. Contact her at annsomersfish@yahoo.com.