I experienced something on Dec. 8 which grieves me.

I believe that some in our society need to be taught to differentiate between greed and need. It used to be that the good outweighed the bad. Not so anymore.

I know several young mothers and their children worked their hearts out and sacrificed toys and other usable items for anyone that feels they have a need.

By this I would assume that this "Free Christmas" giveaway was for the needy. The biggest percentage that "took" were not needy. How could I tell? If you wear new brand-name clothes, smoke cigarettes and drive a newer car than mine, you are not needy.

Some adults were trying to take items that were obviously not included in the giveaway and obviously belonged to the building. They even walked off with a big roll of wrapping paper that the girls were using to wrap the gifts. These same people do the same thing at thrift stores.

In just the little while I was at this giveaway event, I never saw one person thank any of these young people for what they were doing. My hat is off to these young families and friends. They worked very hard to provide something beautiful.

I'm wondering what we have caused in this season of giving that produces the attitude of "I must take, take, take." To a 3-year-old, it's hard to differentiate between giving and receiving. Most of these people were adults.

This episode has me thinking about kids and giving or receiving, and how to effectively teach the spirit of giving.

These young, giving families gave of their time and heart to a cause they really cared about. The young children's efforts will have a significant impact upon who they are as a person. That's the best lesson in charity I can imagine.

I know it's in these gals minds to do this again and maybe even provide a "Free Christmas" several times throughout the year. I might suggest that they only invite 3-year-olds.

Merry Christmas to the truly needy and those that truly have a heart.

(Frankie L. Roberson is a Sagle resident)