When I leaned over to tell my teenage son good night, I was assaulted with the smell of dirty socks. It was pungent.

With a sheepish grin, he confessed that he couldn't remember how many days he'd worn the socks, so he reluctantly took them off, tossed them into the laundry basket, and opened a drawer chock-full of clean socks. Boys!

This little incident reminded me of "Mr. Smith", a now-deceased CCSC friend who couldn't tolerate the thought of anyone being cold, so he generously donated blankets, coats, and socks. He worried about people who lived on the streets as well as those who lived in run-down apartments without adequate heating and cooling systems. So he did what he could and donated these items.

In contrast with my son, there are people who wear one pair of socks for several days in a row because it's the only pair they have. My son, like most of us, is unaware of the bounty in his life: a drawer full of clean socks, a closet full of clothes, a bed with sheets and a blanket, and items such as toothpaste, shampoo, and dental floss.

I share all of this to make two points. First, pause sometime this weekend and take in - really take in - all the good things you have that are taken for granted. I know I'm guilty of overlooking the little things in life. Second, when you're buying personal items such as those listed above, pick up an extra item and donate it to CCSC or another human services agency. I can assure you it will be a much-appreciated donation.