Two simple words — thank you — seem so inadequate. Most of us use this phrase every day in many situations, in person, on the phone, in an email. Yet, in some special circumstances, those two simple words can mean more than anyone can imagine.

It is in that context that I address them today to the generous donors of the 16th annual Southampton Lions Club Toys for Kids campaign. The incredible generosity of individuals and businesses in our area never fails to amaze and humble me. Included are the 12- year-old young lady, who for several years organized a party and asked her friends to bring toys for the cause, to the local business that dropped off bicycles and helmets, to the friends and strangers who handed me checks.

Not to be overlooked are the myriad of people and their children who stopped by and handed us one toy or a bag full, all with smiles on their faces.

A “thank you” seems so inadequate, but every one of them was spoken in gratitude from the bottom of our hearts.We had another successful drive that contributed immensely to putting smiles on more than 1,000 kids’ faces Christmas morning and relieving some of the burden from mothers and fathers who wouldn’t have been able to enjoy those smiles otherwise.

I also want to recognize and acknowledge the Southampton Police Department for their eighth annual Stuff a Cruiser event, and to my fellow Lions who stood out in the cold and wind collecting and then delivering the toys to the Easthampton Community Center. So, in the truest and deepest meaning of the words … Thank you!

Arthur Lustenberger

Easthampton