In 2009 I was introduced to Help Portrait - a gathering of photographers that come together once a year all over the world to photograph people in need.  Very simple steps of 1. Find someone to photograph  2. Take their picture  3. Print it.  4. And deliver, were accomplished one day in December each year.  It was a beautiful way to reach out to people who wouldn't normally be able to afford or take the time to have portraits done such as battered women shelters, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Backpack Snack Attack, Mustard Seed Ministries and so on.  After several years, I found a local church that holds an event before Christmas each year for kids in need.  If it weren't for this giving event sponsored by the Lions and Rotary Clubs of Warwick, NY, they would likely have no presents to share on Christmas.  The kids are invited for a meal, crafts, cookie decorating, pictures with Santa, shopping for presents for family members and portraits with me.  So while I no longer officially participate in a Help Portrait dated event, I feel as though I am doing something all the same.  I am told each year that the parents enjoy getting professional portraits of their children as they cannot afford school pictures.  I'm thankful that I can help these parents hang a photo of their children on their wall each year.