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Show vwex et “THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 3 January 1, 2006 Guest Commentary The Magic of Giving at Christmas As long as I can remember, I’ve always been a person who enjoys helping other people. It has never been something I had to do— just something I enjoyed doing. Whether helping friends with their problems, lending a helping hand, or just being there to listen, it just makes me feel good being there to help somebody. To me, it is the true meaning of being a friend. I’m from New York City and residents from there sometimes get stereotyped as not being very friendly. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, we’re a little rough around the edges, but that doesn’t make us less caring. I grew up ina large Italian family. Sure, we’re a little louder and a little crazier than most families, but we’re close Christmas was a very special time of year for my family—as it is for most. In New York, Christmas starts Thanksgiving Day. When Santa arrives at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, along with him comes that Christmas feeling. It’s like the whole city changes at that one moment. I always tell people that to truly sees New York, go at Christmas time. year our family would have a big ester on Christmas Eve. The night included music, food, gifts, cakes, candies and everything that comes with the holiday spirit. Sadly, most of my family have passed on, but they left me with the greatestgift—all those memories. That’s what Christmas means to me. That is God’s gift to me—all the fond memories that I will have forever. I made a promise to myself that if ] ever had a chance to make a difference in a family’s life, I would; and what better time to do so than during the Christmas season. My family moved to Utah in 1999, and settled in Ogden Valley three years ago. In 2001 we opened our first restaurant—Boccia’s D’Italia in South Ogden. The response was overwhelming, and the community welcomed and supported us. That was my chance to give back to the community and to keep that promise to myself; for the past five years, my wife Cindy and I have closed the restaurant on Christmas Eve and opened our doors to families that are less fortunate than ours. Some of these families have had major life changing events happen to them in the last year that have left them with nothing. It may have been a this would be possible. Local businesses such as South Ogden’s Albertsons, Boman & Kemp Steel, S & S Excavating, Lewis Homes, and many, many others donate towards this event. Other individuals buy gifts for some of these families. I still go and meet every family and >. 2004 Christmas Benefit at Boccia’ D'Italia. major illness or the loss of a spouse. Whatever the reason, they now won’t have a Christmas. We have people contact us that have heard about what we do. They tell us the stories— stories about a friend or co-worker who won’t have a Christmas this year. We also run an article in the newspaper to get the word out about what we do, and that we are looking to help families on Christmas. We ask that they fax their story to us at the restaurant so that we can have a written account as it can get quite overwhelming with everyone trying to call the restaurant. We then go through the faxes and try to help as many families as we can Without the community’s support, none of “Summers End” their children. I talk with the kids to find out what they want Santa to bring them. Then we talk to the parents and find out what they need. Kids naturally tell me about all the toys and games, but the parents tell me about the necessities like shoes, socks, and coats that are needed. I find it to be so helpful to meet the kids; it’s much easier to shop for them when you know their personality, and their likes and dislikes. Then, with info and donations in hand, we literally shop ‘till we drop. Sometimes it’s hard to get everything that has been asked for, but we do our best. Once we have all the gifts and our home looks like Santa’s workshop, our daughter Brittany goes to work wrapping all the gifts. Christmas Eve—the night we have all waited for, especially the kids—becomes a night of Christmas magic. Even though we manage an Italian restaurant, there is no Italian food—just a traditional Christmas dinner that is prepared along with candies, cakes, pies, and Christmas cookies. Volunteers, friends, family member, and our employees join forces to have everything ready at 6:00 p.m. when the families start to arrive for this special Christmas Eve that has been prepared just for them. Santa arrives to hand out all the gifts that have been wrapped for each child. Afterwards, we all give thanks for such a wonderful evening. I would like to say how grateful and blessed we are to have friends and a community that believes and supports what we do. I may have started this team, but it takes the team to make the magic happen. I would like to thank everyone for their support and donations. Because of you, we have been able to help over 100 families over the past five years. May everyone have a very blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. John & Cindy Boccia, Eden Wi-Fi Hotspot Internet High speed! Stay in touch! 10 minutes FREE with any pizza purchase. UPN, PIZZA ore Friday - Sunday 12 - 6 p.m. Custom Made Log Furniture, a Carved Rocks, Chainsaw Bears, Elk/Moose Chandeliers/Wall Mounts LOOKING OUT FOR YOUR NEEDS! Joan Woodruff - (801)675-0444 Century 21 Gage Froerer & Assoc. - Eden Office www.Joan4c21.com Call 920-3190 ies MUS#: 552085 Es ae — PRICEB AT: «FL 200,000. Buyer to verify square footage. Price subject to change. 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