So I organize an Angel Tree here at the newspaper every year at Christmastime. I get 80-some names of kids (babies to teens) from Community Shelter Services. I write out Angel Tree tags with their first name, age and a few gift suggestions and then I hound my co-workers into adopting an angel (or two or three).

In past years, their generosity has been simply overwhelming. Bags and bags of presents, bicycles...you name it...so many gifts I couldn't fit them all in one conference room.

This year, not so much.

The truck comes tomorrow to pick up the gifts and there are still 25 angels hanging on the wall in the lunchroom. I've been feeling pretty downhearted about it and, frankly, a little disappointed in my co-workers who are paid better than most. I know, however, that money is tighter for most middle-class families -- mine included. Everything is going up -- YMCA memberships, gasoline, natural gas, garbage pickup ... leaving little in the family budget for generosity.

Just now, a woman from the newspaper's outside accounting firm came into my office, introduced herself and wondered if she could have the weekend to shop because she and her husband would really like to take the rest of the names that are left. All 25 of them.

My Christmas spirit is now officially restored.