No snow… 2,500 hard-working volunteers… thousands of generous supporters… and most importantly, a deep commitment to serve struggling families in Christ’s name.

Put all of these things together and you have the makings of our most successful Christmas program ever: 2,662 deliveries completed in 67 communities—10,500 children and adults served!—all in just 21 days.

Each family received personally selected Christmas gifts for every member of the family—teens and parents too —plus a $40 Shaw’s gift card and a ham or a turkey to provide a nice Christmas meal.

One mother’s heartfelt words express the appreciation of parents who would otherwise watch their children go without. ‘Maria’ wrote her letter in Spanish and it was translated by our bilingual staff:

I hope the Lord blesses you always. My name is ‘Maria.’ This is my second Christmas in this country. It has been a very difficult year, but thankfully, people like you exist and my children will now have a much better Christmas.

In past Christmases my two girls would see other children around the world receiving gifts, but they would get none. We have taught our girls that the true meaning of Christmas is not found in toys and gifts but in the birth of our God.

My husband, my girls, and I are so thankful that without even knowing us, you helped us. We are so appreciative and happy.

Please excuse that this letter was not written in English. But I am not worried because I know that language cannot be a barrier to the enormous thanks that I have for you. God bless you forever!

Please know the enormous thanks that we have for you too: that you are part of the My Brother’s Keeper family and that you helped us bring the love and hope of Jesus Christ to so many children and parents in 2011!