Giving Back this Holiday Season

As the countdown to Christmas begins, mall parking lots are starting to get crowded, people are rushing to do their shopping while their patience and tempers seem to be tested.  This doesn’t really sound like a fun time of year does it?  As the years go by, it seems more and more that the true meaning of Christmas is being lost.  It seems more about getting the latest and greatest gadgets and spending way over people’s budgets.

Christmas really should be about spending quality time with family and friends but also trying to give back and help those who are less fortunate than us.  This year our family is trying to make a more conscientious effort to bring some joy to those in need.   Our kids have started by participating in their school’s Christmas Child program.  They placed needed items such as toiletries, school supplies and small toys in shoe boxes.  These boxes will be sent to children in need in different countries around the world.  We are also going to “adapt” a family in our community for Christmas.    We would also like to volunteer at a homeless shelter.   I think this will really open my kid’s eyes and show them how truly blessed and lucky we really are.   I am also going to inquire about making some homemade meals and baked goods and donating them to a shelter. 

If you are interested in helping others, it doesn’t need to only be through donations or money.  Your time can mean the world to someone.

Consider one of these ideas:

• Volunteer at a homeless shelter 
• Visit a senior at a nursing home or in a hospital.  Unfortunately there are many seniors without family who visit.  Giving a senior some of your time can bring so much joy to their day.  Just speak to the nursing home coordinator or a nurse on a long term care unit about seniors that would benefit from your visit 
• Donate used clothing or used toys to a women’s shelter or other shelter.

Here are some agencies that you can inquire about ways to help:

House of Friendship, Good Shepherd Centre, Youth without Shelter, CP24/Chum Christmas Wish, The Salvation Army,The United Way

If you live outside of Ontario or Canada, just search for local shelters in your area or family assistance agencies that can use your help.

Also, don’t forget about the needy animals out there.  There are many animal shelters in need of help throughout the year but especially during the holidays.  If you like to get a pet, visit your local humane society or animal shelter and consider adopting an animal.  We adopted two cats earlier this year and it has brought so much fun and happiness to our family especially our kids.  If you can’t adapt an animal, consider making a donation or bringing them needed items such as cat or dog food, used towels or blankets. 

There are many ways to give back this holiday season.  Just give it a try and see how fast you will get in a true and genuine Christmas mood this year!   Give of yourself...no other gift will compare!

“In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us." Flora Edwards