This Holiday season with the economy in the crapper once again, there are things to brighten the soul, warm the heart and help others that make me smile. Here are few positive things that you could participate in, and help make someone else's life that much better.
As most people have heard, Xerox started a website called www.letssaythanks.com it's a simple idea that shows a tocken of appreciation to those serving in our military this holiday season. Those who are apart from their families in the God awful desert. Xerox allows you to pick a card, write a message and they will print and deliver it to a soldier. You can't pick which soldier they deliver it to, but it is an opportunity to send thanks. Regardless of your feelings of war, ALL Americans should be able to get behind our troops. Sacrifice is always hard, but sacrifice during the holiday season is just a bit tougher. I hope everyone takes advantage of this site, it's simple, free, and can share the warmth.
One of my favorite things in the holiday season is Toys for Tots. I know several people who have 'adopted' a family, and my family has done that in the past as well. However, be forewarned that not all people are people who are living in dire situations. My sister and her husband did this last year and the people they bought presents for had flat panel televisions, were living in a nice house, and had nicer stuff than they had. Talk about a rip off. While I understand that maybe they are living outside their means and still needed presents for their children, it's like downsize first before you ask for a handout. Way to ruin the holiday spirit. That being said our family adopted a family and they were really in need. It's just kind of a crapshoot. Hence why I like to participate in Toys for Tots. Our office has held potlucks throughout the year to raise money for Toys for Tots and we also have a toy drive during the holiday season to donate to the cause. I think that even $5 helps. There are many toys that can be purchased on sale that would mean the difference to a lot of people. I know from doing research last year that the need is up and the donations are down. There are many places collecting toys, such as Toys R Us; who also donate $1 per facebook fan they have on their page to Toys for Tots. Looking to go out this year? Well many holiday parties are being held with 'cover charge' being a toy for this campaign, or the actual money being donated directly to Toys for Tots. There was even a party last year that the entry was $30, but the space, food, and drinks were donated by local companies. What a great way to spend a night, eating great food in a great space for a great cause. Too busy to go out drinking because you have kids of your own? Donate at the pre-approved locations or visit www.toysfortots.com
Something that has been going on for the past 14 years is the Miracle on 19th Street in Denver Colorado. Rock Bottom Restaurant Inc. and local Denver business donate their time, money, and space to feed the homeless and hungry on Christmas. Then they ask volunteers to help do everything from set up to tear down. Surprisingly, they are always full and you have to sign up ASAP if you are interested. This year they are already full, donations are still welcome. In addition to this Christmas feeding Rock Bottom Restaurants Inc. also hold one for Thanksgiving in several cities, including Minneapolis. It's nice to see restaurants give back, and next time I plan on signing up early so I can help out. For more information check out www.rockbottomrestaurantsinc.com
Another wonderful act going on this year is the teaming up of Kare 11 & Land o' Lakes donating $1 per click to local food shelves. http://www.landolakesinc.com/company/corporateresponsibility/foundation/ Simply click on the link, and then click on the green area that says 'You click, we donate. It's that easy.' The money goes towards food shelves to help the hungry and the homeless this holiday season.
Make sure to watch television ads as some stores offer huge discounts for donated coats or free/reduced admission with canned food items. A little bit of thought & planning can help save your family money & help those in need as well.
As always, volunteering can help cut the cost of any organization. I am going to start volunteering at Fairview Southdale (pending the result of my second TB test) to help out. If we all give a little, maybe there wouldn't be such a need for government programs and spending. And that's something we can all cheer about.
As most people have heard, Xerox started a website called www.letssaythanks.com it's a simple idea that shows a tocken of appreciation to those serving in our military this holiday season. Those who are apart from their families in the God awful desert. Xerox allows you to pick a card, write a message and they will print and deliver it to a soldier. You can't pick which soldier they deliver it to, but it is an opportunity to send thanks. Regardless of your feelings of war, ALL Americans should be able to get behind our troops. Sacrifice is always hard, but sacrifice during the holiday season is just a bit tougher. I hope everyone takes advantage of this site, it's simple, free, and can share the warmth.
One of my favorite things in the holiday season is Toys for Tots. I know several people who have 'adopted' a family, and my family has done that in the past as well. However, be forewarned that not all people are people who are living in dire situations. My sister and her husband did this last year and the people they bought presents for had flat panel televisions, were living in a nice house, and had nicer stuff than they had. Talk about a rip off. While I understand that maybe they are living outside their means and still needed presents for their children, it's like downsize first before you ask for a handout. Way to ruin the holiday spirit. That being said our family adopted a family and they were really in need. It's just kind of a crapshoot. Hence why I like to participate in Toys for Tots. Our office has held potlucks throughout the year to raise money for Toys for Tots and we also have a toy drive during the holiday season to donate to the cause. I think that even $5 helps. There are many toys that can be purchased on sale that would mean the difference to a lot of people. I know from doing research last year that the need is up and the donations are down. There are many places collecting toys, such as Toys R Us; who also donate $1 per facebook fan they have on their page to Toys for Tots. Looking to go out this year? Well many holiday parties are being held with 'cover charge' being a toy for this campaign, or the actual money being donated directly to Toys for Tots. There was even a party last year that the entry was $30, but the space, food, and drinks were donated by local companies. What a great way to spend a night, eating great food in a great space for a great cause. Too busy to go out drinking because you have kids of your own? Donate at the pre-approved locations or visit www.toysfortots.com
Something that has been going on for the past 14 years is the Miracle on 19th Street in Denver Colorado. Rock Bottom Restaurant Inc. and local Denver business donate their time, money, and space to feed the homeless and hungry on Christmas. Then they ask volunteers to help do everything from set up to tear down. Surprisingly, they are always full and you have to sign up ASAP if you are interested. This year they are already full, donations are still welcome. In addition to this Christmas feeding Rock Bottom Restaurants Inc. also hold one for Thanksgiving in several cities, including Minneapolis. It's nice to see restaurants give back, and next time I plan on signing up early so I can help out. For more information check out www.rockbottomrestaurantsinc.com
Another wonderful act going on this year is the teaming up of Kare 11 & Land o' Lakes donating $1 per click to local food shelves. http://www.landolakesinc.com/company/corporateresponsibility/foundation/ Simply click on the link, and then click on the green area that says 'You click, we donate. It's that easy.' The money goes towards food shelves to help the hungry and the homeless this holiday season.
Make sure to watch television ads as some stores offer huge discounts for donated coats or free/reduced admission with canned food items. A little bit of thought & planning can help save your family money & help those in need as well.
As always, volunteering can help cut the cost of any organization. I am going to start volunteering at Fairview Southdale (pending the result of my second TB test) to help out. If we all give a little, maybe there wouldn't be such a need for government programs and spending. And that's something we can all cheer about.
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