As I've been reading a variety of blogs here, I am struck by an idea that seems to be popping up over and over. Holiday time seems to bring out the best in many people,and they start wondering how they can "give back" to people who are less fortunate. I think it's a great idea, and I have a few suggestions:
Call up any local inner-city church and volunteer to prepare meals or give food or deliver meals to needy people.
If your city has a Ronald McDonald House, call up and see if they need people to help relatives of young hospital patients feel more comfortable over the holidays.
Go to any nursing home in your area and volunteer to decorate or play bingo or sit with some of the residents.
Adopt a class at an inner-city school. Buy a small gift for each child or make a holiday card.
Volunteer at your local Foodbank.
Collect non-perishable items and find a worthy place to donate them.
I could go on and on and on, but that's off the top of my head. If you have never done any volunteering, it's never too late. You will be shocked to find that the most good that comes from it is --selfishly enough--for you! You will enjoy it immensely, you will meet some unforgetable people, and you will be embracing all the good that this joyous season is about.
I have been a volunteer of one sort or another all of my life, and I can tell you from personal experience that it sets a wonderful example for your children and makes them stop and think about what's important in this materialistic world. Take them with you and teach by example. We can make the world a better place if only we try.
