During the holiday season, I know we all see the many options of charities, food drives, toy drives, clothing drives, etc. to donate to. I am always amazed at how many organizations there are and how many people these organizations serve.
You have organizations such as Feeding America that have served over 40 million people and Toys for Tots who have given to over 258 million children to date. As a person in a position to not need services like these, I feel that it is part of my civic duty to try to give when I can. My family has adopted a family in need for the holidays before and I have been a sponsored runner for St. Jude which helps in some way. But I feel like there is more my family and I can be doing. I know the holidays can be hard and that’s when the attention comes in full swing to help donate, but we should be setting the rule that giving has no season. People need help all year long and I would like to set the example for my daughter to be a kind, giving person that is willing to help people in need.
As we are coming into the holidays, let us all take a moment to be thankful of what we have but be mindful that if we are in a position to help, we should. Let us lead by example and show our young children that charity and philanthropy is how we show love and gratitude. Love to the human race and gratitude that we can be of service to someone who needs it. Charity is giving, philanthropy is acting and changing for a better world. Yes, monetary donations help but also giving of your time as well helps serve the greater good too. Taking time out to help volunteer at a food bank, meal center, visiting with your local retired community, and using your skills to educate others helps serve the community.
The St. Louis Moms Blog team will be volunteering with a local retirement community in just a few short weeks. We plan to bring donations to the low income housing residents as well as spend some time with them welcoming the new year and possibly making crafts. I for one am super excited that as a group, we will come together to serve our community. Spending an hour with the residents and bringing items they need means more than we know and I cannot wait to share this experience with my family.
Please be on the look out for more ways to give back as we will be rolling out opportunities to get involved with the community all year long. From my family to yours, we wish you a happy holiday! Sharing kindness and love starts with you.
