To the Journal editor:

So you’ve donated to several food bans, bought new toys for Toys for Tots, dropped money in every Salvation Army kettle throughout town and you’re feeling pretty good about yourself. And you should. All that giving is admirable.

Now, take it up one level, out of your comfort zone. Invite a lonely widow/widower senior neighbor, elder, acquaintance, old friend of grandma and grandpa, geriatric, old-timer, golden ager (whatever term you choose) to . … dinner.

I recently asked a senior widowed neighbor, who has no family in the area, what his plans were for Christmas dinner. Putting on a brave front, he responded, “I don’t need to do anything special. I can live on memories.”

I hope this Christmas and throughout the new year everyone can give a lonely soul even more memories to live on by making them part of your family celebration.

It will cost you nothing only your time which will make a huge difference in their lives.

Merry Christmas, everyone.