When I think about my childhood, I remember how special my mom and dad made the holidays for my family. All those details from decorating the Christmas tree to making that special holiday meal were built on the love they had for us. My parents, like many others, worked in a very deliberate fashion, making lifetime memories out of our holiday celebrations, and I am thankful for that incredible legacy of love. So, like many of you, I’ve honored my parents by trying to create that same loving environment for my children.

Having been the advisory board chairman for 180, Turning Lives Around the past seven years, I’ve reflected on how different my happy memories are from some of the children who have found an emergency home in our award-winning nonprofit agency. There are many children in Monmouth County and New Jersey who will not have the same happy home for the holidays.

For years, I have heard 180’s Amanda Easel coordinator Cindi Westendorf describe how children who witnessed or directly experienced domestic violence will sometimes think that they “caused” the acts of family violence. Nothing is further from the truth. Most of us know no physical violence — such as domestic violence — is justified, warranted, or appropriate.

During my work with 180, I have learned from the agency staff about the vulnerability of families after domestic violence. I could never imagine becoming homeless, or living without peace and security, and yet those are some of the stories recounted during daily phone calls to 180’s domestic violence and sexual assault hotlines.

That is why I am asking everyone reading my letter to consider making a donation that might actually change a life this holiday season. If you give a gift from the heart — regardless of its size or monetary value — the recipient always knows someone cared for them and remembered them. It’s that simple. Our children need gifts, clothing, creative arts supplies, and books. Our moms need gift certificates to area restaurants, movie theater gift certificates, gasoline and food gift certificates — and even some hair products, jewelry and special things just for them.

When I have worked with the 180 senior management team, I have been reminded how our financial donations and holiday gifts do indeed transform our families so they too can celebrate like everyone else. You can call Lori Sadwith, 180’s development director, and she will be happy to accept your gift at (732) 264-9114.

If you have another favorite charity, then I ask you to give to them. Giving from the heart to someone that needs your gift is a powerful act. And, may I suggest when you give this year, consider doing it in the name of a family member, friend and/or mentor that touched your life. Honor their kind acts with deeds of remembrance and thanks. There is no better way to honor the miracles of this wondrous season than to be motivated by gratitude. Happy holidays, and join me in helping turn lives around through the gift of generosity.

Don Lynch

regional president, JCP&L

Red Bank