Seedybee: Some of these kids write to Santa out of frustration and hopelessness because they feel they have nowhere else to turn. Most never believed in Santa Claus because they got little if anything for Christmas. Those are the letters we’re looking to answer.

It’s not anonymous unless the giver chooses the gifts to be that way. Most Santas take a letter and adopt a whole family for many years. The gifts are not small junk. They are often much needed items like clothing, coats and even food. Part of the gift can be helping the family to hook up with family services agencies that can help them all year long.

Yes, we need to deal with poverty in America, no question about that, and this is at least a start and can be done locally. Poverty will end when those who can give reach out one-to-one to those who need help. Help isn’t just about writing a check. It’s also about visiting, talking with, and coaching someone less fortunate to a better life.

A car load of groceries to one family could be a Godsend while they wait to be accepted into the food stamp program. Paying a needy family’s utility bills for a month or two could also be the gift given. It doesn’t have to be about presents. It can be about direct help to people who need it.

In these very tough economic times, many people are facing financial problems they never dreamed they would see. Families who were doing okay a year ago are not all doing okay today. A little help can go a long way.