The holidays are almost upon us again. While so many are excited about gathering with family for meals or looking forward to standing in line all night to get the hot Black-Friday prices, some are not so fortunate.

This morning my friend, Tim, drove five thousand pounds of new and gently used, shirts to a trucking company in the suburbs of Chicago. From there the shirts will go to the Red Cross in New Jersey. The cause: Jerseys for Jersey. Hurricane Sandy has left so many people wanting for even the most basic of comforts, like clothing.

Tim put the word out to friends, customers, colleagues and whoever else would listen. The phone started ringing and donations began to pour in. One school donated every jersey from every sport to the cause.

Tim is the kind of guy who leads, he does not follow. It’s not that he won’t follow; he just never is in the position to have to follow. He is always ahead of the curve. He is selfless with his time when someone is in need; he takes the bull by the horn.

Modest describes Tim’s efforts. No, they are not of modest means. He takes no credit and asks for none. Just a few weeks ago, he was interviewed on the radio. The Boy Scout troupe he leads was selling pumpkins. He never toots his horn, it's always for the cause. It amazes me how he finds the time, but he does.

If I can’t be more like Tim, and seize the day and take action, then I am blessed that he is my friend. All I have to do is follow his lead. The world is a better place for the likes of men and women like him.

So this year before you sit down for the special meal with all of the trimmings, think of the less fortunate. When you line up at midnight to shop for gifts, don’t walk past the person ringing the bell, by the red kettle. Stop and give to those who only dream of things that the truly blessed people take for granted.

I’ve heard it said that charity begins at home…my home, your home and my friend Tim’s home.