"No Christmas presents? No turkey either? Oh Mom, this is awful. This will be a rotten holiday!'' sobbed Jenae, her hazel eyes brimming over with tears.

"Listen honey, you know I lost my job six months ago and you know how difficult it has been for me to find another one. We can still have a nice Christmas though.'' "How? What kind of day will we have with no gifts or nice food?'' "You'll see sweetie,'' answered Mom, the lines in her forehead deepening. "Try not to be upset.'' Jenae's sister Carmen listened intently. Ever since their Dad left home over two years ago, at the start of the recession, she had watched their mother struggle to provide for her two daughters. Since she lost her job, things had gotten really tough.

Carmen cleared away the supper dishes from the small table and prepared to wash them. Although Jenae was two years older, Carmen had always been more mature and responsible.

"I have to find a way to make this a nice Christmas,'' thought Carmen. Her thick copper braids fell like ropes on her shoulders as she pondered her dilemma. "Aunt June would certainly invite us for Christmas dinner. If we could only get enough money to buy Mom something really nice.'' Carmen found her sister sprawled across her bed crying into her pillow. She could still remember when they lived in the big house on the hill and they each had a room to themselves. Now they shared a small den full of secondhand furniture.

"Don't cry Nae. You really upset Mom at supper.'' "I don't care. I'm upset too. She's our mother. She's supposed to make us happy.'' "She does make me happy. And she doesn't have to prove she loves us by buying us a lot of toys.'' "Girls,'' Mom called from her bedroom. "The church is sponsoring a food drive to feed the homeless residents of Court Street tomorrow. I would like for the two of you to help out. There'll be plenty to do and the women's committee could sure use your help.'' "Is she joking?'' whispered Jenae. "We can't even feed ourselves and she wants us to feed people we don't even know? If she's not careful, we'll be homeless.'' "Be quiet Jenae. You know Mom is doing all she can for us. She never thinks of herself. Don't you remember when she spent her last dime to make you that party dress last month? I've seen her go hungry to make sure we've had enough to eat.'' "We'll I'm still not going to give strangers food on a Saturday. You can do what you like.'' Carmen stared at the ceiling long after the lights were out and Jenae was snoring softly.

"Dear God, I know you're listening and I know You answer prayers. Please help my Mommy to get a job and please help us have a nice Christmas. Amen.'' The next morning Carmen awoke to the smell of codfish simmering on the stove.

She pushed her long legs into her jeans and brushed her hair into a ponytail.

Then she padded down the hall to the small kitchen.

"Mrs. Brangman next door brought us the fish and some avocado,'' her moms said before she could ask. "Sit down and dig in.'' "Mom, I've decided that I will help out at church today.'' "I'm glad Carmen, and I'm proud of you too. What about Jenae?'' "I don't think you'd better count on her Mom,'' Carmen answered staring at her plate.

"It's OK honey. It'll be a great experience for you.'' Centennial Hall was bustling with activity. The kitchen crew was as organised as a Naval ship's galley. Tables and chairs filled the Hall and there were two serving stations. There was turkey with stuffing, ham, cassava pie, peas and rice, macaroni and cheese, fresh vegetables, and fruit cake for dessert.

Carmen was given an apron and large spoon with which to dip peas and carrots.

Slowly, the residents of Court and back of town began to file in. A huge Christmas tree decorated the stage. The Youth Choir sang carols and hymns.

After all of the plates were filled, Pastor asked the blessing on the food.

everyone ate with gusto. Afterwards, the congregation joined the choir in singing Christmas favourites.

As Carmen helped pack away the left over food, a wrinkled old woman with skin the colour of caramel approached Carmen.

"Dearie, I think it is very nice of you to spend your Saturday helping those less fortunate. Come closer to me. I want to show you something.'' Her gnarled fingers pulled a tiny gold cross on a chain from under her dress.

"My granny gave me this cross when I was about your age. She told me that it represents the greatest sacrifice anyone could ever give. I want you to have it. You sacrificed your time to come here today and so I want you to take this small token of my appreciation.'' "Are you sure?'' asked Carmen. "It's so pretty.'' "Yes dear, I'm sure. Now go. You're needed in the kitchen.'' Just then Carmen's mother came running.

"Oh honey, I have the best news. Pastor has offered me a job here at the church in the homeless ministry. He wants me to coordinate future programmes to feed and clothe the poor.'' "That's great Mom!!! I knew something good would come along.'' "What's that you're holding sweetie?'' "Oh, an old woman gave it to me. She's right over there...'' Carmen's voice trailed off. The chair in which the old woman had been sitting was empty.

"She was there a second ago. That's strange,'' she added.

Suddenly Carmen realised that her prayers had been answered. Her Mom had a job and she had the perfect Christmas gift wrapped in the palm of her hand.

ADULT THIRD PLACE -- Dr. Corliss J. Furbert.