Best Wishes For The Holidays

Larkspur-Corte Madera editor Derek Wilson writes a column called "Tick Tock..Time of My Life" that chronicles his days living with Stage 4 carcinoid cancer. Here's his latest entry.

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All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth …

Well, I have my two front teeth, so Santa, how about wrapping up some health and happiness for the holidays? Sure, that's on my wish list, but I'm not alone.

There are so many other people fighting cancer and other diseases, or who are trying to survive on the streets, or who are fighting addictions. So I'm calling on everyone to get into the spirit this holiday season and help out any way you can.

Maybe we can't cure cancer — yet — but we can make life better for cancer patients. There are children at Marin General Hospital who might be wondering if they'll be home for Christmas. Trust me, the hospital is not the best place to spend the holidays, but a few simple gifts might make it a little happier.

Here are a few other ways to contribute to the community during these times:

• The Twin Cities Police Department kicks off its "Things for Teens and Toys for Kids" holiday drive on Dec. 3 at The Village. Gifts may be dropped off at any of the following locations until Sunday, December 18:

• Twin Cities Police Department, 5725 Paradise Dr, Suite 900, Bldg E, Corte Madera
• Corte Madera Fire Department, 342 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera
• Concierge Office at The Village, Redwood Highway, Corte Madera

There will also be a collection site at The Village Shopping Center in the center court, hosted by Twin Cities Police, Larkspur and Corte Madera Fire Personnel and Corte Madera Lion’s Club on: Saturdays and Sundays December 3, 4, 10, 11 from 12-5 p.m. And Friday, Saturday and Sunday Dec 16-18 from 12-5 p.m.

All items will be distributed to our local youth and children in Marin Health and Human Services. We are especially looking for items for older kids and teens.

Some suggestions are movie passes, gift cards to music, book stores and clothing stores, or eating establishments. Monetary donations will be used to fill wish lists.

For more information contact Officer Patty Monge, Twin Cities Police Authority, 927-5150.

• Donate to the Marin County Food Bank by feeding the World's Largest Turkey at the Corte Madera Town Center. Drop off canned items in the Center Courtyard to help feed the needy.

• Hospice by the Bay volunteers are offering free gift wrapping at the Town Center. Donations are appreciated, however.

• Donate your time or services to the patients at Marin General Hospital and their families. Work in the gift gallery, baby nook, or other areas. Contact the volunteer department at (415) 925-7260 for other ways to contribute.

• Also, check with the local Lions Club, the Rotary Club, the American Legion and other organizations to find ways to volunteer. Check the Volunteer section on this site to find more opportunities.