Pay it Forward December 31, 2010

“What does the world ~ mean to you?”

Have you ever seen the movie, Pay it Forward?  Minus the ending, which can absolutely rip anyone’s heart out ~ it is a beautiful movie based on a beautiful premise … a movement to make the world a better place.  If one person helps 3 people or makes a difference in 3 people’s lives, then they help 3 people, and they help 3 people … you get the picture.  If you complete acts of kindness in multiples of three – gratitude, giving and gladness – you  will receive an inner gift, the important kind.  Now imagine the impact on our communities, in our states, in our countries on the mighty power of 3?

The use of the internet as a source of information is quick, it’s easy ~ and it is inspiring.  There is so much good being done, and so much work to be done.  I’ve been doing some searches on YouTube for everyday people making a difference in the lives of others.  It gives me the glimmer of hope that better days are ahead.  Pick an idea – there are literally thousands, and make a difference this year.

Off the top of my head, I’d suggest to call:

• Literacy Organizations – become a literacy volunteer
• Ronald McDonald Houses – become a room volunteer or volunteer to provide food to families
• Become involved in those organizations that directly impact other people’s lives, in their darkest days – American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association, this list, is endless …
• Your local government office – find out about a community clean-up, or food drive.  If they don’t have one already, plan one!
• Regional Food Banks – can always use help with sorting and boxing
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters – think of the impact you have the ability to make on a young person’s life

Kiss Hershey Back

Philadelphia Clean-up Project

Calgary’s Food Drive, 2006 – 7,000 volunteers collected $670K worth of food

Green Island’s Food Drive, 2010

Literacy Volunteers

Quilting for a Cause – Hugs for Heros, making quilts for injured heroes

A Christmas Village December 23, 2010

I know I have boasted a lot in my blog about my community’s generosity (well, the community itself and beyond).  We’re much like any other community out there, and it just happens to be what I’ve always known.  Maybe it’s the holidays, or the generosity, but it does the heart good to see the generosity and good of others.

I went to prepare the food baskets for the Christmas delivery that would take place on December 23.  I had the very easy task.  This basket delivery included:

• A ham
• Pasta
• Sauce
• Fresh Produce
• Milk
• Bread
• Soup
• Canned Vegetables
• Condiment
• A dessert item
• Canned Fruit

 

From around December 1’ish the Village Office put the word out that the giving tree was available at the office.  Go down, select a ‘mitten’ or two or more ~ and purchase a little something that would be put together to help a family out through the holidays.  Keep your mittens with the gifts so the gifts can go to the right families.  Maggie organized, bagged, labeled and color coded every single delivery to make sure every family received the right items.

 

December 23 rolled around and the army of volunteers showed up at the Food Pantry to make the Christmas deliveries.  For the first time since my kids realized the truth about Santa ~ did I have that tingling feeling that parents have on Christmas morning when they see their kids eyes … except I had  my kid’s look in my own eyes.  I remember walking into the Food Pantry and thinking “Wow!”  There were garbage-size bags upon bags ~ an organized Santa delivery, all set to help make some holidays a little brighter.  Everyone knows what they do on their own … but when you see it all together, it just takes you back a little.

 

Next year, if you haven’t already, find out what is available in your community, and make an effort to give.  There are so many little things that you can do, that can make a difference for those in need.  Think about:

 

• Have old coats, scarves and mittens that are slightly to gently used, but you don’t use them anymore?  Coordinate a Coat Drive, or find out if there is one in your area.  Donate your coat/s to a homeless shelter.
• Do you quilt or crochet?  Make blankets and spread the warmth ~ literally and figuratively.  Donate blankets to the Ronald McDonald House or the Cancer wards/centers in your area.  Think of the comfort that blankets can bring to those who are going through their darkest days.
• Organize a drive to show appreciation for those serving in our military.  Contact local units, the Red Cross and find out what is needed and get involved.  Whether it is sending things overseas, or something to the military hospitals our men and women return to.
• Volunteer at a Senior Center or Nursing Home ~ sometimes, just seeing someone’s face can brighten another’s day.
• And of course, there is donating your time and/or financially to food pantries or soup kitchens.