08/31/2026
I want to share something a little more personal than what we normally post here.
Long before NHOU existed, there was a man named James “Jim” Gray who had a tremendous impact on my life.
Jim was my Army recruiter when I was a young man. But he became much more than that. He became a friend and an important male mentor in my life. It took me getting older to fully appreciate just how much people like Jim helped shape the person I eventually became.
In 1987, while working as a postal carrier in Mount Dora, Florida, Jim noticed families on his route who couldn't afford Christmas presents for their children.
So Jim and some fellow postal workers reached into their own pockets and bought them clothes, shoes and toys.
That simple act grew into Adopt-A-Child for Christmas, which continues helping children and families today.
When I read the history of how it started, I couldn't help but smile.
That was Jim, 100% to the core.
He genuinely cared about people. He wasn't looking for recognition. If somebody needed help and Jim could do something about it, he did.
We've been fortunate to build a pretty large community around NHOU, and occasionally I'd like to use that reach for something bigger than selling rust protection.
So I'm asking our customers, employees, dealers, business partners and friends to check out Adopt-A-Child for Christmas. If Jim's story moves you and you're able to help, please consider making a donation.
A lot of people doing a little can make Christmas very different for a child.
Jim has been gone for 26 years. His good work hasn't.
Almost 40 years after he started it, children are still benefiting from one man's decision to help a few families on his mail route.
That's one hell of a legacy.
Adopt A Child Or Two For Christmas