Annual Giving Post Back to Blog
Yes, it’s that time again. The holidays are here (and my house is a mess–gah!). But, as I’ve done for the last few years, I wanted to take a few moments and talk about holiday giving.
No, not giving to your kids or your partner, but giving to the strangers that you don’t know. Times are tough right now and you may not have a lot of spare money to give to others, so I wanted to focus today on gifts that won’t actually cost you anything.
First up…baby, it’s cold outside! (Yes, it’s even cold way down here in Alabama.) Do you have an old coat that you aren’t using any longer? Please consider donating that coat. So many organizations are running coat drives right now. Heck, a McDonald’s close by even has a coat donation box set up! Just look around, and you’ll be able to find a charity or business that will gladly accept your coat. And if you’d like, you can always donate that coat to the Salvation Army. They will take it with a smile.
Second, speaking of the Salvation Army…if you’re like me and you need to clean your house for the holidays, then why not clean and organize at the same time? Those toys that your kids don’t use any longer, those clothes that are too small for them–why not donate those to the Salvation Army?
Third, do you have some extra canned goods in your pantry? Come on, we both know you aren’t really going to eat those peas. Give a few cans to your local homeless shelter. A few cans can really make a big difference.
Fourth…think of those close to you. Sometimes, we don’t realize there are people who need us–people who could be right next door. Do you have an elderly neighbor who may be celebrating the holidays alone? Why not bake her (or him) a batch of fresh cookies? Yes, even the baking-challenged (like myself!) can whip up something semi-edible. Besides, here, it’s really more the thought that counts–um, though the taste is important, too.
And, finally…click to give. Do you have five seconds to spare? If so, then visit the Hunger Site. Once click will provide 1.1 cups of food to those who need your help.
If you have ways to give that you’d like to share, please do! Happy holidays!
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I have started doing some of the things you mentioned in this post and you are so right. If we can give, we should. It’s a wonderful thing…
Lissa
Thanks for checking out the post, Lissa! I always feel good when I can help out someone else, even if I’m just helping a little bit.
I also make donations to Purple Heart, Easter Seals, and AmVets. Not to mention all the “stuff” they take off my hands every month.
Don’t forget the animal shelters. I feel so bad for all those animals.
Peace :).
So many great groups! Thanks for mentioning them, Viki! And I’m glad you brought up the animals, too. My son’s Pre-K class is bringing in goodies for the local animal shelter (his teacher’s idea) and I love that they are doing this. Jack cleaned up around the house to raise money for his “doggie presents.”
One of my favorite things is end of year coat buying. Between Winter and Spring, stores put out racks of coats for little to nothing. No one wants to think of a coat right before Spring time. I’ve bought childrens, bigger kids, and adult coats – big fat fluffy warm coats – for $2 – 5 each. I usually go to the sales rack and grab every coat there and stash them in my closet until Fall then bring them down to the area shelters. It’s a good time to grab hats and gloves for nearly nothing also.
Wow! Great idea! I am going to steal this master plan of yours and do it this year.
Cybercliper, that is an excellent idea–will start doing that too!
Ms Eden, thank you for reminding us of the real meaning of the season!
Wonderful ideas here! My kids’ classes each adopt a family for Christmas and we also have a huge ‘coat drive’ in the fall. (Good thing, we’ve already hit twelve below this year!)
Have a wonderful weekend, Cynthia! 🙂
Great ideas! I don’t think I have ever thrown any clothes away (other than underwear and socks); I donate whatever I don’t wear anymore. As long as the clothes are in good shape, why toss them?
I looked into volunteering to walk and socialize dogs at the local animal shelter but my allergies made that impossible. Too bad.
Great ideas! My husband dropped a few things off at Good Will a few days ago. And we always give to the Salvation Army, especially this time of year.