It's a wonderful program at the most wonderful time of the year.  The local Salvation Army accepts applications for Christmas assistance and, with the help of the community, they deliver food and gifts to local families who need the help.

I see a number of people on social media who are displeased with a more stringent application process this year.  Some are being turned away if they don't have their papers in order.  Why?  Well, it's about honesty.  

You see, in some cases, there have been families doubling-up on assistance - that is, both parents would apply and one family would get double the help.

I'm reading a story about a local family adopting another a couple of years ago.  The writer says they had a beautifully decorated home and a bigger TV than she had.

I'll also never forget a story about a family sending a relative to apply for assistance because they were away...on vacation...in Disneyland.

So, you see why our friends at the Salvation Army do what they do.  They want to help those who are truly in need of assistance.