Arlington officer Molly Ingram, out on patrol Christmas Eve, was called to Walmart responding to a report of theft. The woman in question was a single mother with four little girls and very little money. In her cart was healthy food, Christmas gifts for her girls and wrapping paper.

She was arrested for theft and told to report before a judge. However, rather than send her home without anything at all, Ingram purchased $185 of goods the woman and her child could use, including gifts. Now that’s what community policing is all about.

Anna Ingram, Forest Grove, OR

While I strive to be a good person, there have been times when that wasn’t my goal, usually because of the absence of love. Over this past holiday a great stress was placed at my door, the potential loss of love, my dog. I understand there are children dying of cancer, and that today about 8,000 people will awaken for their last day on Earth, but he really brought love into my life when there was none.

On Christmas Eve he was at the emergency room with a 50/50 chance, and sadly my desire to love anything began to dissipate.

Then, the staff at Arlington Animal Hospital and their families sacrificed their time to save my best friend and perform surgery. His mom was put to sleep in January, my wife left two weeks later, a partner embezzled all the money from my company forcing it to close, and I had to take a protection order out against my landlady because she was poisoning my dog, stalking me and breaking into my home while I was out.

So unemployed, homeless and broken I sat there bawling at the prospect of losing the last great thing in my life for no other reason than I lacked enough money to pay for the surgery.

The doctor and her staff cut their charges by more than half, and I began selling my hunting gear and begging my family for enough money to save him.

The doctor volunteered to give him post operation care on Christmas, along with a spouse in tow, when most people were at home celebrating.

So many people don’t understand the depth of love or the special love some of us have for our pets, but they are family, and mine is my only child.

However, the small act of humanity Arlington Animal Hospital provided really restored the light of love in the brightest of forms in my life.

All of the national corporate veterinarians refused, some offered credit, and all except AAH failed to see the true meaning of Christmas and love. Thank you so very much. May peace and love always be at your door.

Stan Petra, Monroe

We are so thankful for everyone who attended and donated to the Providence 2014 Festival of Trees. With great pleasure, we are joyful to announce that this year’s events raised more than $735,000 in support of Providence Children’s Services. With your support, children in our community will continue to receive life-changing therapy and services at the Children’s Center at Providence Regional.

From corporate sponsors, to volunteers, to tree designers and every event attendee-it is these communal efforts that make this celebration possible. We thank you for coming to the Festival of Trees and sharing your time and resources to support children in our community.

-Providence General Foundation