Five years ago, I started volunteering at a local shelter for homeless families. I was struck by how welcoming and trusting the kids were of me and the other volunteers. Although the two hours a week I spent volunteering was often chaotic and overwhelming, I still had a great time hanging out with these incredibly funny and interesting young people.

I remember one day in particular. I was playing with the kids and a blond-haired girl of about 5 or 6 years said to me dreamily in passing, “I’ve always wanted to make a gingerbread house.” I realized that she wasn’t asking me for anything specific. It was Christmastime and I guess gingerbread houses were just on her mind. The solution seemed simple. I went home, bought graham crackers and candies, made icing, wrapped pieces of cardboard in foil as a base, and packed everything up.

The next week the volunteers and kids made gingerbread houses, or rather piles of candy, icing, and graham crackers, in the playroom. The blond-haired girl constructed her house with purpose, like she had a blueprint in her mind. This wasn’t surprising—she was the oldest of three kids and obviously mature for her age from taking care of her younger brother. When all was said and done her house was not terribly sturdy, but it definitely pleased her.

Soon her mother came to the playroom door and the girl was out of her seat, balancing the house in her hands, eager to show her mom. I turned back to the table to clean up what could only be described as a disastrous mess, when I realized someone was standing behind me. I turned around and there was the little girl, smiling.

She said still smiling but also very seriously, “Thank you, Katherine. I’ve always wanted to make a gingerbread house and now I have.” It was obviously an important moment for her and as she left the room, I realized that moment would change my life.

Ever since that day I’ve listened to what the children of Margaret’s House homeless shelter have wanted and have tried my best to deliver. Their requests are never difficult to fulfill—a holiday coloring book, popcorn at snacktime, a Halloween costume. I’ve learned that although the circumstances in their lives are complicated and often overwhelming, the kids live moment by moment, day by day. Because of that and their understanding of loss and pain, it takes very little to please a child in need.

But it’s not just about getting gifts or doing fun holiday activities. Through donations and volunteering, we show homeless families that they matter to us—a group of perfect strangers with our own lives and problems. And we teach kids in need that there is always room for hope as long as someone cares.

This holiday season, reach out to those in need. You won’t regret it. In fact, I bet it will be the best holiday you’ve celebrated.