I went Christmas shopping with a pretty neat little girl the other night.
She was a stranger. I’ve never met her, or saw her before in my life. My wife and I took part in the Community Action Network shopping spree for local youngsters.
These are our children, but some of them come from homes where money might be a little short and Christmas a bare bones celebration.
Each child received a $75 gift card to use at Walmart. Each adult was given a list of needs. Our little girl had pretty basic needs: shirts, pants and shoes. We also opted for a night gown, because she gets cold at night. She took her time choosing the right color, style and size.
When her limit was reached, we wandered over to the toy aisle and she got to pick out a couple of items to take home.
None of this would have been possible without C.A.N. None of this would have been possible without the volunteer shoppers. None of this would have been possible without people who care for their community and their children.
Thank you C.A.N. folks for your work all year long raising money to fund this experience.

For many youngsters that was their Christmas morning. 
From the smiling faces we saw at the Presbyterian Church, a lot of families are a little happier this holiday season.
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I can’t wait to have a coffee or sandwich on the deck at Acres Cafe. I think the setting in Page Park will be peaceful and pleasant. It sounds like a great addition to the downtown area.
Another new shop recently opened — 926 Custom Embroidery opened at 404 Lincoln Highway. I stopped in during the Christmas walk and was impressed by the variety of services.  
That’s how the downtown is growing. Small niche shops that offer goods or services you can’t get at a big box store. But once they open, we need to support them by shopping or dining there.
Speaking of the Christmas walk… I was impressed by the huge crowd. I don’t know how many kids saw Santa at the museum, but the line was pretty long when I passed.  
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Khalil Mack is a linebacker for the Chicago Bears. He makes a lot of money playing football. Last week, he stopped in a local store in his hometown and paid off all the items on lay-a-way… $80,000 worth of goods.  
Outstanding player, outstanding person.

Terry Dickow is a retired elementary school teacher with lots of opinions, some you will like, some you won’t. He can be contacted at terrydickow@gmail.com.