This week’s column comes from Mike, a friend in New England who tells us that Brian Ballou, a reporter for the Boston Herald, wrote about the aftermath of a theft case in which some $2,000 worth of toys and gifts were stolen only a few days before Christmas.

Boston police said more than $2,000 worth of gifts, mostly toys, were stolen from under the tree at the Miller residence. With only a few days until Christmas, the family checkbook is running near empty, and the outlook for a joyous holiday appears to be rather bleak.

That’s when Police Officer Montgomery arrives at the Miller house carrying a bag of toys for the seven little Millers. Montgomery is a skinny cop, not at all resembling the rotund Santa Claus, but he’s a welcome visitor. Montgomery is a member of Boston’s Community Action Team, a community policing division of the Boston P.D.

The next day, Mrs. Miller and her seven little kids are picked up by a limousine and taken to South Shore Plaza for a shopping spree, compliments of a businessman who heard about the family’s dilemma.

"I’m truly at a loss for words," says Mrs. Miller, as she wipes tears from her eyes.

These acts of kindness triggered a spirit of generosity among others throughout the city. Also contributing toys were the Home for Little Wanderers, the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots, and the American Red Cross. These toys were not earmarked just for the Millers. Officials said there were as many as 6,000 requests for toys from needy families in the Boston area.

Agencies worked with the Department of Social Services providing toys for kids in foster homes from all over the city. A spokesman for the Red Cross, said that in spite of the increase in requests for toys this year, all known requests were fulfilled.

While the Grinch may have scored the first point in the days before Christmas, clearly, Old Saint Nick — and his helpers — had the last word. It was truly "a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night."