I loved living in Boston. But I absolutely hated getting parking tickets. Who doesn't?

This holiday season, those who live in Beantown, or Genetown, as we dubbed the Massachusetts biotech-rich city, had less to rant and rave about last week if they got a ticket.

Parking violators who were issued a ticket on December 1st, 2nd or 3rd, were instead allowed to pay their tickets with holiday toys.

This new form of payment was a welcome gift for the community and a clever goodwill gesture on the part of the city.

Marcia Harris, of Cambridge, showed up at City Hall on Wednesday with stuffed animals, a yo-yo, and other toys to pay off her $36 violation for an expired meter. She also brought proof of purchase to show the value of her gifts.

She said she was initially irritated to get a ticket - just "20 seconds" after her meter ran out. The meter maid handed her a piece of paper with her violation notice and told her it described an alternative way to get out of it.

"I thought the paper would say I could go protest at City Hall," Harris said. "This was much better. I would spend two-for-one, I think this is such a great idea.'"

The U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots campaign are the beneficiaries of this clever community gift giving effort.

It is the city's way of boosting donations.

In lieu of cash, the city accepted Cabbage Patch Kids, Morphibians, even Mega Blocks.

"I think it should go longer - maybe any ticket in December," said Theresa Labriola of Boston's Brighton neighborhood, who settled a $20 violation for an expired inspection sticker with two Groovy Girl dolls.

"It just takes 10 minutes out of your day, and it makes you feel better about getting a ticket," she said.

A Fanueil Hall toy store called Zoinks! enabled parking ticket holders to get more bang for their buck. Those who showed their Boston ticket were offered a 15% discount.

This was Boston's sixth year running the Toys for Tots program.

Young children, from newborn to age 3, are in particular need.

The U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots is attempting to address the needs of kids of all ages. But they expressed a particular need at this age group.

Last year, Reader's Digest, in their November 2003 edition, named "America's Best Charities" in 12 categories. Marine Toys for Tots Foundation was named "Best Children's Charity."

To learn more about the organization, whose 2004 national spokesperson is Clay Aiken, go to:

Thanks to the Boston Herald for inspiring this story.

Mayor Newsom and the City of San Francisco, I hope you're listening.

Inspire & Be Inspired (R).

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful and "glad tidings" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King