While I was growing up, the aunt that raised me and my sisters was consistently a giver. It is something that I marvel at now that I am an adult. We were poor, but she was always sharing with others in some way. This became most evident and clear during the major holidays (like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter). She would make turkey, dressing, yams etc. and make pie after pie. Then she would send plates and (whole) pies to people she knew who were shut-in or alone (who didn’t want to come out). I don’t think she was ever in a place to loan money, but she helped in the way that she could.
This is the great thing about giving. It is something we can all do regardless of how little or much we make financially. There are plenty of ways to give and plenty of people in need in our community. We can be creative in how we give to the causes or needs we feel the most passionate about.
For example, if you feel a calling to help the homeless in our community, there are numerous ways you could help. The help could be done by providing packed breakfasts or lunches once a month in a park. The help could be done by making hygiene kits to give out. The help could also be done by volunteering in a soup kitchen once a week or month. The help could be done by purchasing scarf, glove, and hat sets and taking them to a shelter. Bigger items like sleeping bags, coats, and blankets are also needed during the cold months. You could assist a shelter in doing a drive for these much needed items.
Another way to give to those in need is to give to food banks or bring food to PCC for our ongoing food drive. We joke about “government” cheese, peanut butter, beans, etc., but I can remember eating those things growing up, and they came from a food bank model. I can remember my aunt making macaroni and cheese with government cheese and Top Ramen (I am smiling at this memory). Giving to food banks could be as simple as deciding you are going to spend $5 every week or month to buy canned food, beans, rice, or baby food to help those in need. Individually, it might not seem like a lot, but collectively that is a lot of food! Food banks are especially in need during the summer months and school breaks when children are at home and not getting the free or reduced breakfast and/or lunch they would have normally gotten at school.
Maybe you have a passion for children. You could volunteer your time to read to kids in the hospital. If time is an issue, you can buy books for kids who are in the hospital. You could also donate supplies or books to a school or volunteer your time there in some capacity. If you have children, perhaps you could donate clothes, toys, and books your kids have outgrown to a program that serves children in need.
And remember you can also donate your services. If you are a lawyer, doctor, accountant, or life coach, those specialties can be donated to help people who are in need who can’t afford the service. You could also look into donating your talents to nonprofit groups who may not have the staff to do presentations, graphics, etc.
It could also be as simple as cleaning out your closet. Perhaps you have clothes that can be donated to Dress for Success.
We have just experienced the frenzied time of year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, which feels like the time of the year that people tend to give the most. Of course, there is need throughout the year. We may not be millionaires, but I think we all have a lot to give. I would encourage you to make 2016 a year about using your gifts, talents, and resources to serve and give to those in need.
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