Charities: Don't Just Give Your Money, Give Your Time

It's convenient to write a check and mail it off to the March of Dimes or the United Way. We can say we did our part for the goodwill of mankind and get a tax write-off. This holiday season, put your money away and roll up your sleeves. Helping another person means something when you sacrifice to do it. Get involved with local charities and make a difference that will bless your life as well.

Finding local charities to volunteer your time is not as hard as it seems. Call the Social Services department in your city. They should have a list of charitable organizations and their telephone numbers since they refer clients for help every day. Checking with your church could turn up a few charities in need. A part of church outreach missions is volunteering at local shelters and children's homes. Grocery stores often collect gifts for families at holiday time.

Helping others should be a family affair. Zit down with your spouse and children and discuss various charities needing resources. Children who learn early to give back to their communities develop a heart for service. As a family, provide a meal or two for the local soup kitchen. Here in Greensboro, our local soup kitchen is called the Greensboro Urban Ministry. Each day, different church and civic groups volunteer to prepare and serve meals to homeless individuals from all over the city. My church volunteers to prepare and serve on the third Friday of every month. Feeding a hungry human being is a humbling experience, especially during the Christmas holiday when people's minds tend to think about acquiring more things.

Our church also adopts a family from the Social Services department each year and buys them items from their wish lists. We try to make Christmas a little brighter for someone other than ourselves. With so many layoffs this time of the year, it doesn't take a stretch of the imagination to realize that we could just as easily be one of the people we are volunteering to serve.

Cleaning out your attic, garage, or basement can be a charity worthy act. Everyone has clothing and other items that someone else could put to good use. Here in Greensboro, the local television news station sponsors a charity program called "Give a Kid a Coat". People donate the coats that their children no longer wear to local cleaners and then the coats are passed on to kids who would otherwise not be able to get a warm coat. Goodwill Industries accepts clothing and furniture that they sell for very little money in their stores. Spend a Saturday morning organizing and packing up donations.

The holidays are a time for showing goodwill towards men. Jesus said that we are to do good to as many people as we are able. The consequences of a noble deed and a kind word are a life well-lived. So, start a habit of charitable giving during the holidays that will carry over into the rest of the year.