DESCRIPTION:
Click for download: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/jolly-old-saint-nicholas-single/id775042154
Census results show a 3% decrease in homelessness from 2009 to 2011 which may be the cause of a margin of error but also likely the result of the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (funded through the Obama Stimulus plan) which ends in fall of 2012 with no plan for replacement.

Policy suggestions of the National Alliance to End Homelessness
http://www.endhomelessness.org/pages/policy_priorities

Volunteer YEAR-ROUND (Thanksgiving/Christmas time has plenty of help) at the LA Mission or find one near you:
https://losangelesmission.org/act/volunteer/volunteer-oppotunity/

Ross Garren, piano
Ken Oak, cello
String arrangements by Ross Garren & Nick DePinna
Mixing by Ross Garren & Andrew Espantman
Filmed, directed & edited by Kristen Toedtman
Creative consultation by Jessica Hanna

Recorded at Studio City Sound in July, 2012 by Tom Weir

Words & Music by Kristen Toedtman

For more info:
www.kristentoedtman.com
www.facebook.com/kristentoedtmanmusic
www.twitter.com/kristentoedtman

Jolly old Saint Nicholas, lean your ear this way.
I've got something on my mind that I'd like to say.
Christmas Eve is coming soon and I don't need a thing.
Paper dolls or skates or pearls, or any diamond ring.

So Santa, dear Santa ~ I'm counting my blessings this year.
There are so many people with so little reason for cheer.
Oh Santa, Santa ~ I'm sticking with gratitude here.
So fly on somewhere else with your reindeer.

When the clock is striking three, I should be fast asleep.
But thoughts of those with less than me into my mind do creep.
See, I don't have a chimney for you, but I've a roof above.
And I don't lack for food or drink, or for sweet friends to love.

So Santa, dear Santa ~ I'm counting my blessings this year.
There are so many people with so little reason for cheer.
Oh Santa, Santa ~ I'm sticking with gratitude here.
So fly on somewhere else with your reindeer.

Jolly old Saint Nicholas, lean your ear this way.
Wealth of friendship, love and joy, won't fit on your sleigh.

SOURCES:
latimes.com
cnn.com
wikipedia.com
reuters.com
laalmanac.com
huffingtonpost.com