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There’s no denying that it’s hard times for many folk. Weather is getting cooler and heating oil and gas prices aren’t getting any lower despite the price of oil going down. It’s going to be a hard candy Christmas to use Dolly Parton‘s words.
It’s not too early to start thinking about giving to those less fortunate.
If we all get together and pool our resources, I’ll bet we come up with a lot of stuff we can pass along to others — and not necessarily used items either! Besides food items, I have some clothes — a pant suit that I bought on sale (non returnable) and after I got it home, I hate it, so that can go. It’s never even been worn. I thought I saw a website with some free audio books the other day….people need more than just the basics, you know.
When we buy a toy for the grandkids, we will buy a second to give to Toys for Tots and this year instead of having the kids give us gifts, we’ll have them give whatever they would have spent on us to the charity of their choice.
I don’t know about your neck of the woods, but around here, there is a program called SHARE that you can donate to that will help people buy heating oil during the winter. Giving a few dollars out of each paycheck over the next few months won’t go amiss there.
No, Ken and I are not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, but we both have jobs, we weren’t suckered in by the sub-prime mortgage lenders, so our house is fairly secure and we are both fairly healthy. The good Lord has chosen to smile on us and we are grateful.
While you’re making your list of those to donate to, please don’t forget your local animal shelter. Besides the obvious donations of food, toys and bedding, they can use some of your TIME. You’ll help socialize some of the animals or groom them so they can be more appealing to those coming to look for a new pet.
Thank you and God Bless.
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Great article. We (myself included) so often forget about those who have far less than we have. In my neighborhood a group of ladies have recently started a weekly feeding scheme for the homeless and poverty stricken. On Sundays we now all double-up on the meals we prepare. If you have a family of 4 you prepare 8 meals etc. These ladies come to your home and collect the extra meals and distribute them to those who need it. The scheme is only 4 weeks old but it is hugely successful, the number of people who are participating seems to be doubling every week.
This effort is of course not enough on its own. I do suppose that for someone without income a weekly meal is better than nothing. If only we could get more people interested in helping. Wouldn’t it be great if big business also rolled up their sleeves and attempted to help. It would be even greater if Government jumped in and helped out. (I can dream if I want to).
It’s a good post, thanks.
I won’t forget to remember…
@Lyndi — I forgot to mention that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. ? I do have the thing in the side bar about it though.
@Ken — thanks! I know you won’t.