James Carroll and Walter Jaskiewicz visited two classes to distribute gifts to each child, just a small portion of what their organization collected and purchased.

There were games, stuffed animals, dolls of every description and even clothes. You might think a young child would be disappointed opening a box to find flannel shirts while his friends excitedly received games - but one boy's eyes grew round, and he repeatedly caressed the shirts and pressed them to his cheek.

The children thanked the "elves" politely as a class and individually and sang Christmas songs in appreciation.

Jaskiewicz and Carroll said they enjoyed seeing the reactions on the children's faces and couldn't believe how politely they sat with their gifts, until they were told they could open them.

Just when you think you have seen and heard everything, or may be feeling a little cynical about the commercialism of Christmas, try seeing it through the eyes of a youngster.