It happens every year and every year we are amazed and gratified. It's the outpouring of generosity and good will of our neighbors to the many good causes that are out there. Granted that every mail brings more requests for donations than anyone can handle. The fact is that most of us have good causes that are close to our hearts and for which we are even willing to sacrifice something. The reason that this thought is in the forefront of our mind today is that this week was unusual even for this time of year. On Friday evening a Thanksgiving Mass and elegant dinner party was held at Inisfada for the benefit of Maryknoll Missionary Father Peter LeJacq's hospital in Tanzania. The place was packed, the spirit was ebullient and Father Peter's homily brought home to everyone present how great is the need and how grateful are those who receive our help. On the front page of today's Manhasset Press you can read about the herculean efforts of local Rotarians to help the victims of Hurricane Mitch in Honduras. One difficulty that those who send help to some overseas causes is that the donations are stolen by people who intercept them before they can reach their intended goal. The Rotary effort is dealing with this by having Honduran Rotarians on the receiving end to make sure that the supplies reach those in need. Less desperately needed but still important are the toys that are collected through the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. As we write this there is a bin filled to overflowing with toys next to our desk. There is a smile on the face of each person who contributes a toy and every person who just passes by. Incidentally, the supporters of this program will be on hand on Friday at our annual Tree Lighting so if you can, bring along a new, unwrapped toy. Finally we can not fail to mention the ongoing generosity of our friends at The Americana who are donating a percentage of the member stores' profits to a variety of local charities this week through Dec. 6.

E.F.B.