It started with a Christmas tradition. Dr. Phillip H. Lucas would take one of his grandsons and other children from his church to buy presents for underprivileged youth in the area. Watching the kids' philanthropic spirit grow over the years, Dr. Lucas decided to broaden the mission. Thus was born the Lucas Foundation for Better Living. The Board of Directors is comprised of the original group of Christmas shoppers along with their younger siblings. They meet quarterly to select the nonprofit missions they wish to support.