Once Receiving,
Now the Giver

I was delighted to see in last week’s Herald a photo of my neighbors, Bill and Betsy Arnold ("Faith In Action") packing Christmas boxes. It stirred up memories of a long-ago Christmas at the Smith farm on Rt. 12A in Braintree where I grew up with my siblings, Fred (Tink), Wayne, Jim, and Penny (Griffin).

On that December night of long ago came a knock at the door and my father promptly opened it. Standing there in the cold with a big box in his hands was a tall, smiling gentleman. Dad welcomed him in and after some friendly conversation, our visitor left. Being the hardworking and proud man that he was, my Dad wasn’t, to put it mildly, very happy about this gift of charity. It didn’t bother us kids one bit; in fact, we were quite happy and couldn’t wait until our visitor left so that we could check out what was inside.

What I remember best about the box was the grapes, nuts, raisins, tangerines, and store-bought Christmas candy. I’m sure there were other good things in the box also but we remembered the treats and the friendly gentleman. Us kids didn’t know where the box came from and we never received another to my knowledge.

For many years now our church has contributed to the Christmas boxes that are given out every year. I say thanks to Jack Cowdrey and all of the volunteers who help keep this tradition going. Never give it up! In case you were wondering, it was Azel Hall who came by with that special Christmas box several years ago. I will never forget it. Thank you Azel!

Sandy (Smith) Rilling

Randolph