This Christmas Give to the Needy

This Christmas buck against the system. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on credit cards, taking out home equity loans, and generally going into debt to purchase Christmas gifts, choose a new alternative. Adopt a family in need and give to them.

Most Americans enjoy an above average standard of living. We own three, four, and five bedroom homes with a minimum of two and one-half bathrooms. We own at least two cars, some of us own even more. Even within our homes, we amass a never-ending laundry list of material things ranging from flat screen televisions, to designer shoes, to exquisite jewelry.

Yet, year after year, we purchase more toys than our children can play with at once. We spend countless hours shopping for gifts that inevitably are returned to the department stores within days sometimes-even hours after removing the wrapping paper and opening the boxes. Even worse, there is the small percentage of gifts that find themselves stuffed into the back of the closet until the call from Goodwill or the Veteran's Association with a request to donate gently used and new items for the less fortunate. Even better, they are re-gifted to one of our co-workers the following Christmas during a gift exchange where we receive yet another dreaded Santa Claus statue dressed like Elvis.

There are many families headed by a single parent barely able to stretch their money from one paycheck to the next. There are families where one parent is sick or disabled and unable to work to generate income for the household. Families forced to visit the nearest food pantry or soup kitchen to receive a hot and nutritious meal. There are children whose number one concern is whether they will have a warm coat this winter not whether they will receive the new "Razor" or "Pearl" cell phone from Verizon. There are families that will not have a Christmas tree with gifts lighting their foyer or living room.

This year be an example for your children, neighbors, even friends. As an individual or as a family seek out organizations like the Holiday Angel Tree Program sponsored by The Salvation Army. This program focuses on providing new clothing and toys for children of needy families. To find out more information or to get involved, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Additional opportunities exist through Angel Tree®, a ministry sponsored and administered by Prison Fellowship International. A worldwide organization, Prison Fellowship International provides Christmas gifts and support to the needy children of prisoners. In the US alone, according to their website, more than 550,000 children receive gifts and gospel materials each year. To get involved in Angel Tree^® in the US, call 1-800-55-ANGEL or visit www.pfm.org.

You can also contact the local Free Store Foodbank in your city. The mission of these types of organizations is to provide food and services, create stability and further self-reliance for people in crisis. You can help by organizing a canned food drive. You can make monetary and/or food donations. Alternatively, you can volunteer to work as a Food Room Assistant responsible for stocking shelves, sorting products, and organizing the food distribution area.

This year during the holiday season, you have the power to affect change not only in your own home, but also in the lives of needy families that may live on your street, in your neighborhood, and across the nation.