With the economy in such a stressed state and many preoccupied with tracking their own dwindling accounts, is it harder to be generous with others? What did you give last year? Is your “giving pot” less this year? I know ours is. Does that mean we cut back on what we give to others, or do we find other creative ways to help those in need?
I don’t have an answer to these questions but here is what my family has done so far this year. Maybe it will help foster your giving this Holiday Season?
One thing we decided to participate in was a program that engaged both the kids and adults. The charity is called, The International Missions of Templo Santo, in Sonora, Mexico. A business associate of my husband has been involved with this particular charity for many years.
The program is very simple: fill a shoe box with toys, educational materials and games for a child, and on Christmas day, a child in Sonora, Mexico, will receive their gift box.
We have three children and so we filled three shoe boxes for three children the same sex and age as our own. Each box was personalized with the giving of at least one item from their own toy collection.
Another program I personally participate in throughout the holidays is giving my spare change to the Salvation Army every time I can. The sound of their bells ringing outside of our local shopping center never fail to remind me of how fortunate I am, regardless of my currently dwindling investment accounts – at least I have investment accounts.
My point is giving does not have to be a long drawn out, arduous, process. To be truly effective or transformational, it does not have to be a huge sum of money. There are people and organizations around you every day asking for your help and that help could be a small amount of your loose change, a few hours of your time, or the donation of items you no longer use.
Just the very act of dropping loose change in a bucket and hearing it ring out as it joins the coins of others brings a smile to my face. As I look up at the individual standing there ringing his or her bell, I see the genuine gratitude in their eyes and the blessing I receive from them humbles me. As I walk to my car, the glow of this small act continues with me and I smile to all those I pass along the way.
How much money do these small gestures cost my family? I truly don’t know but I do know the gifts we receive far out way any cost. I can also tell you that each time I act without self-interest to help others; I have no room for thoughts of sinking 401K’s or rollercoaster stocks.
So, if you would like to break out of the trap of thinking about things you can’t control, go out do something you do have control over - giving to another. Whether it’s your loose change, a warm coat to someone without, sending toys to children who have none, or simply passing on a smile, I guarantee you’ll feel better about yourself and the world around you. The idea is to keep it simple but meaningful by truly giving from the heart.
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
Kahlil Gibran (Lebanese born American philosophical Essayist, Novelist and Poet. 1883-1931)
I look forward to hearing your stories of holiday giving and remember that those in need need you all year and not just once a year.
To learn more about The International Missions of Templo Santo, in Sonora, Mexico please call 925-408-3165.
Happy Holidays!
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