If you can give something to at least one child this Christmas, please do it. Doesn't have to be a child that you know. There is a lot of organisation this time of year who gather special things for familly in need.

Please don't forget the children.

((((((((((Children of the world)))))))))))

you are so right.......as usual. i will do something tomorrow. xoxoxo pat

[SeptemberMorn]

I could never forget the children... including those that aren't mine. Right again, Time0!

Toys for Tots is a great organization. I always feel better giving to them.

[onlymedid]

I give to Toys For Tots every year. The other thing I do is go to Safeway or another grocery store that does it and I buy a bag of groceries for someone needy.

[Boopers]

Good post Time0! Yes, I do give a gift to a child at the Childrens Giving Tree and I also buy essentials and give them to the local food bank for the needy.
Also, don't forget the bell ringers that stand in front of the stores. They are usually the Salvation Army Bell Ringers. I remember my Dad always stopped and gave them money and the tradition is carried on.

Linda

[jbug]

My church does a Christmas store that needy parents can come get presents for their kids for free. I gave to that and have given to the bell ringers. I wish I could do more this year but can't due to some bad choices made recently.

Jbug

[Rapunzel]

Time0,

I appreciate the reminder. It's just so easy to think that we don't have much, can't do much, won't really make a difference. But if we all look for opportunities to do something, no matter how small, then we will make a difference.

My family has been the recipient of a lot of stuff in past Christmas seasons. I was frankly embarassed that people thought we needed it, and this year I have been asked by my church and one of my kids' schools if we needed help for Christmas, and I told them all we need is to get moved (we are moving this Friday - four hours away). We really are doing okay now, but I can't get over the mind-set of being one of the have-nots. Anyway, we have received a lot in the past. The tiny pile of gifts under our tree grew, and the kids enjoyed what they got. My heart was warmed to think that someone noticed us and cared, even though I felt bad that they felt that they needed to.

So, now I want to give back to someone, and make a difference. I try to support as many of these efforts as I can (it's still not enough), whether through my church, or there is the Christmas in a shoe box program (you fill a shoebox with small gifts for a child, include money to mail it, and it gets sent overseas - I can't remember what the official name of the program is - that one needed to be done a month ago so I don't still have the paper on it - but it's usually sponsored by a church too).

Don't forget the teenagers! Lots of people send things for little kids, and teens tend to be left out quite often.

Rap

[Sarah116]

My school is doing the Million pennies drive and food bank. I also have been extremely generous in donating lately! What really made me feel good and like I was making a difference was when I was at The Waffle Shop and emptied my pockets of change and put it in a donation jar for people with Mental Health issues. I thought of people at PC who do not have the money or treatments and support and even know it was not much every penny adds up! I hope even my small donations helped touch someones heart and change their life!

[sabby]

Every year I pick a star and buy for a child in need. This year, I have an online buddy, one I met thru some online college classes I took last year. She and her family are in desperate need and she always keeps a positive outlook...it blows my mind. Her son, who is a year younger than my grandson is in need of clothing. I packaged up 2 boxes of clothes that my grandson can't wear anymore and shipped them to her. Along with them, I had some clothes that I grew out of (you would think i'm a kid...but no...it's called getting FAT!! LOL) and I shipped them too. What an awesome feeling to help someone in need....both known and unknown. In the past I've also bought Christmas trees and decorations and delivered to a family I knew couldn't afford one (I delivered them late at night so they wouldn't know where it came from)....It's so awesome to see the trees decorated and in their windows when I drive by their homes

[bflatgary]

Toys For tots, as has been mentioned here, is a great organization. Also consider giving to your local homeless centers, your local hospital, or an orphanage or halfway house. There are a lot of young people who are in need. Our spirits are greatly lifted when we help to lift other people's spirits.

[ozzie]

I'm very proud of my 11 year old grandson. He is a Boy Scout and took part in a project to collect as many Winter coats for the needy adults and children. He sent emails to all the family and friends. He ended up gathering 45 warm coats to donate. I was amazed. The other boys in his troop also collected a lot of coats. It's good to know that children are beginning at young ages to lend a hand to those in need.

[Sabrina]

I am also very proud of my 9 year old son. His birthday is in December, so every year we have a massive clean out of his room. Sort of in preparation for new gifts he might get.

We drop all the toys and clothes he no longer wants at an orphanage nearby.

Last year he was a bit clingy and didn't really want to let go of things he no longer plays with. This year he was ruthless! We filled up two huge boxes with toys, all in excellent condition and were able to donate a huge bag of clothing as well.

The orphans are precious. Their eyes all have very sad stories, but their faces light up at the prospect of "new" toys and clothing right before Christmas.