Our breakfast group meets on Wednesdays at 7 AM at IHOP. In December we draw names and meet for brunch and gift exchange at a member's home.

Our gifts are underwear for a local charity and a toy for another. Toys are purchased that remind us of the person whose name we received in the exchange.

The quietest among us might received a Chatty Kathy doll; the woman raising miniature ponies might receive a rocking horse; a singer might receive a battery operated microphone.

After the gifts are exchanged and opened amidst great laughter, they are donated to another local charity.

None of us needs anything so it is fun to be able to shop in this way and know that those who are in need will receive something that they will enjoy.

I learned about this type of exchange years ago when a wise co-worker suggested it. It was great fun then and continues to be to this day. And that's what I think about it.