posted on December 15, 2004 03:42:20 PM new
Have a Great Holiday Season.
Now, I need a favor!
The holiday’s season is upon us. So too is the cold and snow of the winter (here, anyway). When thinking about those holiday presents... think about those that don't have much of a holiday season. If we all could give to our local food pantry and/or to the local shelters, maybe we could make this a better holiday (or even a new start) for someone less fortunate then us.
Give something to your local charities. Make your area a better place for all.
posted on December 15, 2004 04:39:08 PM new
I agree colin.
Did you know that the Salvation Army cannot have kettles at Target? Probably the most shopped store during christmas. Target totals about 1/4th of the holiday giving for the SA.
But, it is not only this time of year that the pantries need the food it is all the time.
Merry Christmas....
_________________
To Quote John Kerry in his concession speech. "But in an american election, there are no losers, because whether or not our candidates are successful, the next morning we all wake up as Americans
posted on December 15, 2004 04:44:52 PM new
They are collecting food at my granddaughter's school as well as coats, boots, hats, gloves and scarves. We've given.
Libra
I've heard that the Salvation Army is forbidden from going to a lot of places. They have one outside of the grocery store I go to and we always drop what change we have into the kettle.
Another thing you might do is go out and buy some hats and gloves. You can get them at the dollar store or ask a local thrift shop if they will donate some to you or sell them to you 1/2 price. Go to the areas in your city where the homeless are and start handing them out. It's very rewarding and they really do appreciate the gesture!! I've done it quite a number of times and it never fails to make me feel better.
Cheryl
"Success in almost any field depends more on energy and drive than it does on intelligence. This explains why we have so many stupid leaders."
-Sloan Wilson
posted on December 18, 2004 09:22:51 AM new
I do the Sugar Plum Tree every year at the mall near my house. Probably most malls have something similar.
Kids in foster care tell their social workers 3 things they'd like to have for Christmas. The social worker put these wishes on stars, along with the age of the kid and their sizes, if applicable to the wishes. The stars are placed in binders divided by ages and sex. When you go to the tree, you look through the binders, pick the kids you'd like to provide presents for, & take the star with you. When you return with the presents (unwrapped), an ornament is placed on the Sugar Plum tree and social services makes sure the presents get to the kids.
I've been doing this for about 12 years now. Every year I choose 4 boys and 4 girls, with a spending limit of $50 each. If one or more come in at less than $50, I will choose an additional kid from the tree.
One thing, though: I urge people who participate in this to choose older kids. It's sad, but every year when I go to do this, the binders containing the wishes of young children are empty, while those containing the wishes of kids 12 & up are stuffed. I choose exclusively from the older kid binders, and will also "do" kids who are about to leave social care (17 & 18 years old)--these usually request things that will help them set up housekeeping for themselves. such a comforters, silverware, dishes, etc.
This year, the mall also had a Senior Tree for seniors living in homes. It followed the same model as the Sugar Plum Tree. The most requested item was hand-held showers (makes it easier for them, as they can sit down while showering), followed by lap robes & food baskets. I was able to do 5 Seniors, thanks to an incredible sale Sears was having. Nrxt year, I'll be budgeting for this as well, in case they do it again.
____________________
"Bad temper is its own scourge. Few things are more bitter than to feel bitter. A man's venom poisons himself more than his victim." --Charles Buxton
posted on December 18, 2004 02:21:19 PM new
bunni- I love the Sugar Plum Tree idea! It seems SOMEWHERE I lived had something like that. How hard would it be to start one for next year? Jazz is a case worker, so it shouldn't be too difficult to do or to find those in need. I really like the idea of helping our seniors. So many barely make ends meet and alot of them have families that never come around. People just don't care about elders the way they used to in past generations of our culture.
We've given Jazz our old blankets, coats and such to give to her "people" that need them. Anything in bad shape goes to the SPCA. (She used to work there while in school.) Human Services also keeps a food pantry on hand for those with empty cupboards waiting for food stamps or other assistance.
We are rich in so many ways. Anyone can help others. We just need to be willing.
