This holiday season, like each one for the past 24 years, Larry Henderson is encouraging his family to give back. Henderson said it started with a gift from one of his daughters.

“She gave me a gold toothpick,” Larry said. “Had to have been 24 years ago, or there about, with a little diamond in it, and the idea that she had to go to such lengths to find me a Christmas present just incensed me.”

That day, Larry started a new rule in his family. Gifts would only be handmade ornaments, and each ornament should represent an act of charity to others. It’s called the Love Tree, and it started as a family affair. Larry’s wife, Connie, said started catching on with others.

“It’s just grown and grown and grown,” Connie said. “And thanks to our children, they’re just so dedicated. The grandchildren are dedicated to it and it just keeps on, keeps on growing and really makes us very happy.”

Over the years, The Love Tree idea spread to people across the country. Some of Larry’s grandkids honored the project with a book that collects pictures of family and some of the many acts of kindness his idea inspired.

Larry, currently fighting two types of cancer, said the message of the Love Tree is a touching one.

“It fills your heart with joy,” Larry said. “Oh God, yes. I can’t talk about it without getting emotional.”