I wanted to do something different on Christmas Day to help me feel better about myself, so I volunteered my day at the Hope Haven Mission in Lewiston to help serve meals and pass out gifts to these less-fortunate citizens of the community.

To witness the appreciation and joy on the faces of those needy people was overwhelming and heartwarming.

The appearance of Lewiston-Auburn mayors Larry Gilbert and John Jenkins on that special day gave those people an obvious feeling of worth and importance and mere excitement to be able to have Christmas dinner with them.

People should never forget in their busy lives that whatever we have to show for our success, there will always be someone out there with less who needs help.

Those who can’t afford to help local charities financially can try giving any spare time. They will see what I mean by the compassion and the appreciation.

May God bless Pastor Paul and Mrs. McLaughlin for all they do, and for opening my eyes.

Fred Grace, West Paris