Pick name off Giving Tree

There is a fantastic Christmas project that is running again this year in Northumberland.

It's called The Giving Tree, and it is in centre court at Northumberland Mall.

The project receives the names (well, pseudonyms) of boys and girls from low-income families across Northumberland County, from various not-for-profit agencies. The cards contain the information of these kids and they're placed on the tree, and then warm-hearted and generous people pick a name, go on a shopping spree and return to the tree with unwrapped gifts.

Last year, my Little Brother Justin and I chose a name off the tree. We were lucky to get there, as there were only a few left. Our little guy was the same age as Justin, and loved wrestling, so Justin and I hit the stores and bought wrestling toys, books, movies, and whatever else we could find.

Although I'm by no means a financial baron living the good life of champagne and caviar, I knew I could spare the $100 to make a young child's Christmas extra-special. I plan on doing the same thing this year, when the need will be ever greater in these trying economic times.

So if you're able, please stop by Northumberland Mall, visit The Giving Tree and make Christmas special for a young boy or girl.