Generosity

Anne Keegan's article “Blue Christmas" was a collection of Christmas stories told by Chicago police officers. One was the story of George White.
George lived in a rented room at the YMCA. He had one set of clothes, shoes wrapped with rubber bands to keep the soles from flopping, and a threadbare black overcoat. He spent his mornings napping in an old metal chair in the back of the 18th District office.
Two officers, Kitowski and Mitch, took an interest in the old man, occasionally slipping him a few bucks. They found out that Billy the Greek over at the G&W grill gave him a hot breakfast every morning, no charge.
The two policemen and their families decided to have George as their guest for Christmas dinner. They gave him presents, which he unwrapped carefully.
As they drove him back to the Y, George asked, “Are these presents really mine to keep?" They assured him they were. “Then we must stop at the G&W Grill before I go home," he said. With that, George began rewrapping his presents.
When they walked into the G&W, Billy the Greek was there as always. “You've been good to me, Billy," said George. “Now I can be good to you. Merry Christmas." George gave all his presents away on the spot.
Generosity is natural when a grateful attitude prevails.

- Chicago Tribune Magazine (24/12/95)