Charity Begins at Home – Gifting Reminder!

If you are like many of us, we grew up hearing that Charity begins at home.

This can be tough when all the needs around the world continually tug at our heartstrings!  Americans are some of the most generous people in the world!

I’d like to reiterate that our fellow neighbors could use a helping hand this Christmas and Chanukkah season, so here are my selected and suggested charities:

 

Food Pantries:

  • Donate to the local food pantry at your church or one in your community.  2011 has been financially tougher than most for many of our loved ones; some who previously donated in the past now find themselves on the receiving end.
  • Fill those plastic bags that the Scouts leave at your door with canned goods and pantry staples up to the brim!

Salvation Army Red Kettles:

  • Let your children carry change in their pockets…The Salvation Army will have their red kettles out for the next two weeks.  They will have more needy families than ever to feed and clothe.  The change adds up quickly, and the kids will get a big kick out of contributing!

Military Families past and present:

  • Carry an extra ten dollar bill or whatever you can afford on your person when traveling by air…happen to see a serviceman or servicewoman traveling home or leaving on assignment?  Press the bill in their hand, thank them for their service, and give them permission to “spend” a little something on themselves.  You’d be amazed at the morale booster an unexpected greenback from a total stranger can give…I’ve seen the smiles myself.
  • USO Centers can only stretch their holiday cheer so far; when multiple units begin passing through in droves during the holiday season, the pickings can get very slim.  Check in with the Center nearest you, especially if you have memories of having yourself spent a holiday at one just like it.
  • Your local VFW will happily accept donations for Operation Uplink, the internet phone program for military overseas to communicate with loved ones at home.

Shriners Hospitals for Children:

  • Some of us had a child who was helped by medical foundations or organizations like Shriners Hospitals for Children.  There are little ones there now, too…in the same departments we once visited on a regular basis.

Service Club Foundations, i.e. Rotary International Foundation

  • Whether you belong to a service club or not, you have friends who do.  Ask if they need support on any particular projects.  Rotarians are busy year-round, and their Rotary Foundation is one of the best places to put money to work, locally and globally.

 

Shop Locally:

  • Support your local merchant; don’t be fooled by a national brand.  Many of the “chain” stores and fast food restaurants are actually franchises owned by individuals who have faces, names, families, and payrolls to meet.

 

Thanks once again to all of my readers and visitors!  I appreciate your readership and support.  My family has experienced lots of blessings this year; from dark moments silver linings have appeared! May you too know the blessings of a family safe from want and cold!  Enjoy this Christmas and Chanukkah Season!

 

The FrogHavenLady and Family xoxox