Try explaining to an 8 year old why it is that there are no presents under the tree for them on Christmas morning…

Times are tough right now, no doubt about it. But some determined and kind-hearted local business owners are still stepping up to the plate to do their part for the less fortunate this holiday season.

After reading in his local paper that the Toys-For-Tots in Sanford was in unusually desperate need this holiday season, Homes By Vanderbuilt owner Tom Van de Reit and his family decided that surrendering such a vital task in the face of a bad economy was simply not acceptable. Tom, his family and the entire team at Homes By Vanderbuilt felt compelled to help – while at the same time getting others involved as well. Tom quickly settled on an approach. After considering what might be the best way to communicate with the largest amount of people in the shortest amount of time he came to one simple conclusion: Facebook.

“I might be a little bit older, but even I see the power and the scope of the Facebook community. So when the time came to pick the most potent and efficient vehicle to reach the largest amount of people in the shortest amount of time, the answer was an easy one,” says Van de Reit. “After all, just about everyone I know – family, colleagues, clients other business contacts, heck even old college buddies – is on Facebook. The idea was broached to donate dollars for each “Like” we can get on the Homes By Vanderbuilt Facebook page. We understood that in the past, this approach has generated a dollar or two for each “Like”, but we wanted to do more in a shorter period of time, so we increased that number to a more substantial five dollars per “Like”. We feel we can do some real good for our community at that level. We feel good about it.”

“It has been our experience over our many years here in the Sanford area, that the people here are very giving and genuinely care for their neighbors. Accordingly, we felt this exercise should include all of us”, Van de Reit continued. “And with Facebook, we are able to receive help and “Likes” from all over the world, which is just really amazing for an old guy like me,” Van de Reit said modestly.

In closing Mr. Van de Reit and the team at Homes By Vanderbuilt hold one guiding tenant as they encourage everyone to “Like” them this year: “Every child in Lee County should have something under the tree this year and a smile on their face Christmas morning. No exceptions.”

If you would like to help Homes By Vanderbuilt reach their goal of 500 likes ($2500) by December 20th, please visit: www.facebook.com/HomesByVanderbuilt or if you’d like to donate to Toys For Tots of Sanford directly, visit: http://sanford-nc.toysfortots.org .