We love to live our lives in the superlative. We want the biggest, brightest and greatest to surround us.

Bro. Joe Carrico was the greatest in whatever he did for his fellow man (and child). His love for God and man shined brightly around all he touched. The annual Toys for Tots Christmas effort became bigger every year.

After the death of the long-time pastor of Post Oak Baptist Church, a name change was required because “Toys for Tots” is nationally copyrighted, trademarked or in some other fashion illegal for others to use.

Some wise local leaders changed the name to Bro. Joe’s Family Christmas. The mission is the same. Honoring Bro. Joe in the process is an ideal way to continue his legacy and the purpose for his life.

WRUS radio (610 AM) will host its sixth annual radiothon in support of Bro. Joe’s Family Christmas tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 13, from 1-5 p.m. Volunteers will man the phone system to accept pledges of monetary donations to the cause. Funds raised will be used to brighten Christmas for children in need and their families.

A number of people who knew Bro. Joe well and worked with him over the years have been asked to provide commentary about the man and his work. Among them will be, as always, Christine Porter, who until this week was Myla Thomas of The Beaver for three decades.

The radiothon is definitely bigger this year because for the first time it is also a telethon. Much of the programming on WRUS is now being broadcast on EBP Smartnet’s community channel, a service of the Russellville Electric Plant Board. Bro. Joe’s Family Christmas Radiothon will be televised on it in simulcast.

Logan Telephone Cooperative is again providing a phone bank for donors to call. That number will be 270-542-TOYS (270-542-8697).

Donations can be brought to WRUS, all locations of the Auburn Banking Company, all locations of the Lewisburg Banking Company, the Electric Plant Board, the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, the Agape Foundation, Logan Telephone or First Southern National Bank.

Chris McGinnis and Don Neagle are the owners of WRUS. Robert White is superintendent of the EPB, and Greg Hale is general manager of Logan Tele.

Bro. Joe’s Country Ham Breakfast and Silent Auction, which also benefits Bro. Joe’s Family Christmas, will be held next week on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 5:30-11 a.m. Tickets for the breakfast are on sale now and will also be available at the breakfast, which will be held at the Logan County Extension Office. A donation of $7 is requested.

The meal consists of country ham, eggs, gravy and biscuits, and a drink. Orders can be placed by calling 270-542-8697 or 270-726-7109.

All proceeds go to purchase toys and food for families in need in Logan County.

The Agape Service Foundation’s Carrico Center on Johnson Street is the headquarters from Bro. Joe’s Family Christmas.