In lieu of gift giving, the adults in the family bought items for Launchpad, an overnight shelter service for homeless youth in the Nashville area. My trunk and heart are full of sock and underwear, hoodies and jackets, deodorant and shampoo.

I was only able to spend about 3/4 of the money we collected before I ran out of shopping steam. I bet they’ll accept a monetary donation of the remainder.

Merry Christmas.