This year, I have the privilege of answering Christmas Helpline calls for the first time. While on the phone, I’ve had many wonderful and uplifting connections with those we serve, but I was moved in a special way by a first-time caller named Grace.

Grace is a 65 year old grandmother with custody of her three grandkids ranging from 7 to 11 years old. “This is the first time I’ve ever asked for help,” she told me. “I’ve always been the type of person who takes names off the Giving Tree at my local parish. I’m on a fixed income, though, and making ends meet has become harder and harder with three new mouths to feed.”

I took gift requests for the whole family— things like hats, coats, Barbies, Pokemon, arts & crafts, and action figures— and as we were reaching the end of the call, Grace was no longer able to contain her relief. She began to cry and said, “I never expected to be in this position at this point in my life. I can’t imagine not being able to give my grandkids a Christmas.”

Grace was so grateful and I explained, as I always do, “It’s our privilege to serve you. May God bless you and your family.” As I ended the call, I was moved to tears as well reflecting on the beauty of the My Brother’s Keeper Christmas Program: we will deliver toys, clothes and joy to the children and ‘the Love and Hope of Christ’ to a special Grandmother.