This year I get to look forward to a very special Christmas present. It is all the more special because it is from ACB to me -- and from me to ACB.
I spent the entire day and evening on Christmas Eve, strutting around the house in anticipation. How much does this present mean to me and how much does it mean to ACB? Presents are the best when they are personal and full of good intentions.
On Christmas morning I was up early and out in the living room, having trouble containing my glee. The lights were on and Christmas music playing in the background and me full of wonder for the moment I would open it. Then there were all the other packages under the tree that somehow had much less meaning compared to my ACB surprise.
After some hot chocolate and a danish, it was time to approach my present. It was just one envelope lying on the branches, but it had been placed there in plain view because it was so important. This was a present that must be kept track of because it was so valuable.
As I held it in my hand, I thought about how important it was that ACB would bestow this gift to me. I also thought about how the biggest and best surprises come in small packages. Finally I thought about how really important gifts last for years and years and stand the test of time.
As I opened the envelope, I took my time to relish the moment. A true feeling of satisfaction came over me as I lifted the flap to reveal the inside. Now it was time to grasp the prize and lift it out.
Here it was: confirmation that they had received my information and added my name to the list of contributors for the Monthly Monetary Support (MMS) Program. Anyone who is a contributor knows what I am talking about. The greatest gift of all is one that we give and not receive.
It would be hard to overlook the importance of this gift. You can have half of your donation go to ACB and half go to your affiliate. You can have it come right out of your account each month, any amount that you like. Also, the gift goes to support scholarships, advocacy and a range of programs, like "The Braille Forum."
Here is my Christmas wish for you. It is that you will give this gift as well. I also hope that you are grateful for what you have and are willing to share it with others in the American Council of the Blind. We really do have it pretty well compared to the blind in other countries, so let’s all do our part to contribute to ACB.