If asked just what the meaning of Christmas is, giving back and spending time with loved ones would probably make the top of many lists.

For 13 Troy University graduates and friends, that’s just what this Christmas season has been about.

“How it came about is a group of friends has always had a get together party once a year,” said Jeremy Henderson. “This year, since we’re all getting older, we decided we wanted to do something good.”

So, with that in mind, the 13 turned their socializing into a charitable event.

“This year some of us came up with the idea to do something more,” said Troy Weed. “I think it was pretty successful our first year.”

The 13 friends — Justin Rolling, Brandon Hill, Greg Crutcher, Hunter Herring, Lori Mitchell, Jason Browder, Brian Mann, Brent Hill, Andy Johnson, Scott Ward, Christopher Campbell, Henderson and Weed — held a Christmas social at The Studio last weekend, asking for donations from guests.

With the more than $2,700 raised in the event, the group in turn donated money to Big Brothers Big Sisters and Troy Miracle League.

“We wanted to start doing some good,” Henderson said. “Instead of just having a get together, we wanted to give back.”

Henderson said the group considered several charities in Pike County before ultimately deciding on these two.

After viewing a video of the Miracle League and learning how many children the field could impact, Henderson said it was an obvious choice.

“I was amazed and thought it was just a great charity to give to,” Henderson said.

BBBS also was something the group thought would be a good cause.

BBBS was presented with a $1,500 donation and Miracle League $1,200.

Both Weed and Henderson said they hope this event will become annual, at least for the next few years.