Holidays: Reasons to Donate

The holidays are meaningful to many people especially children. Unfortunately, many children do not receive presents or a decent meal due to family living problems. There are many parents who can't afford to buy much for the holidays. They can barely afford to feed their children and provide a warm home let alone luxury items such as presents.

Ever since I was a little girl I have tried to pick a name off a Christmas tree in the local mall and provide a gift to a child. It would never be much but a few cars or a doll. When I was a single mom, I couldn't afford to do it because I struggled to provide my own kids with a roof, electricity, food, and a few gifts. I was lucky though, because I had a lot of family who loved me and helped during the tough holiday months. Now, that I have settled and can provide gifts and necessities for my own children I think about all the other children in the U.S that are not as lucky.

I went through some years of being disgusted at some of the parents who received welfare and spent state money on drugs and food stamps on popsicles and Little Debbie snacks. I realize now that as unfortunate as that is, it's the children who suffer. Thanks to local Adult and Family Service programs, there is a program in some states that allow children whose parents are low income to receive gifts for free. There are also many programs where you can get food boxes for your family if you are low income. Many other city police and fire departments also do food and toy drives to help those who are struggling.

With the way our economy is declining, the middle class are becoming low class and the low class are now beyond poverty. This is no fault of many. There are not enough jobs, unemployment is sky high, and we are in a recession. This is the year to donate because even average people need it. Children should not have to suffer because someone doesn't want to spend a couple extra bucks on someone else. We are a society that needs to work together because our government won't help unless you qualify at playing their games. A little bit of help from each person can feed a hungry mouth and put a smile on a child's face. Children don't need expensive and outrageous gifts, but they do need to know what people are willing to do to help others and that someone cares about them.

Now that I have lived and raised my children on both ends of the spectrum it is even more important to me to teach them to help others. They will be more grateful for what they have, feel loved, and learn how to show love in non- affectionate ways. This year we will do what we can to help and I hope you will as well. It doesn't have to be much; even a couple of canned foods in your cupboard during the next local food drive will go a long way. When I received food boxes, years ago, I thought about the people who donated the items. I appreciated it and others will too. Starting early on donating will ensure your participation and will make the holidays more enjoyable for you and your family. If you don't know any places to donate, ask me, and I will locate one in your area. I want to do what I can because it's my turn to give back.