December 22, 2006

Christmas Supplement

Generosity results in doll for little girl

By Robert McAuliffe

Special to The Criterion

My Dad was a rural mail carrier out of the small community of St. Paul, Ind. Charlie knew all his patrons, and shared their joys and sorrows as he delivered their daily mail.

In the summer months, he would often find a present of fresh vegetables in a mailbox, and in the winter months there would be gifts of baked goods or canned food items as a way to show appreciation for the caring man who was always at their service.

As Christmas 1937 neared, the economy was poor as the nation struggled to recover from the Great Depression that began in 1929.

As Charlie drove up to a rural mailbox, Mrs. Smith was waiting for him.

“Charlie, did anything come for us from Sears Roebuck?” she asked. “I ordered a doll for my little girl for Christmas.”

“Not today, Mrs. Smith,” he said, kindly. “Maybe tomorrow. I’ll watch for it.”

Each day, Charlie had to tell her, “Not today, Mrs. Smith.”

He could see the disappointment in her eyes and it really bothered him.

On Christmas Eve, the doll had not arrived. When Charlie finished his route and returned to the Post Office, he shared the story with Elie Avery, the aging postal clerk.

She smiled broadly and said, “Charlie, I may have a solution for your problem.”

“What can we do?” Charlie asked. “The stores are closing. It’s too late to find a doll for her.”

“Not so, Charlie,” Miss Avery said with vigor in her voice and twinkling eyes. “I’ve got a doll that I had as a child. It has a porcelain head, hands and feet. The doll is still in great shape. I’ll get it and its extra clothes, and wrap it in tissue if you will deliver it.”

Dad immediately agreed. Late that Christmas Eve, we delivered the beautiful doll and its wardrobe. Knowing the little girl would awake to Santa’s gift made us very happy.

The memory of that Christmas Eve is as fresh in my mind as if it were yesterday.

(Robert McAuliffe is a member of St. Mary Parish in Greensburg.) †

 

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