December Giving

December is known as the most charitable month of the year. Thankfully there are many programs set up to help those that are struggling to have Christmas. The Salvation Army kettles are at every turn in the stores. Devoted volunteers sit and ring the bell to attract attention for a donation of any coin you can dig out of your pockets. December is the month that volunteerism is alive and well to help others in their time of need as Christmas approaches.  

Yesterday was "Giving Tuesday". Although a new phrase to me, the concept certainly wasn't. It was started in 2012 by an American who looked at it as a chance to change the world. The dedicated day is the first Tuesday after the American Thanksgiving. It is a global effort and has become the world's largest generosity movement. On Giving Tuesday, Canadians are encouraged to give back to charities and non-profit organizations. It is designed for people to donate towards their causes. Some of the things that people do on Giving Tuesday are volunteering at homeless shelters, organize food drives, fill community fridges, spread messages of hope and many other creative ideas. 

One of the Christmas programs in Brandon that I have been involved in is "Adopt a Family". A needy family can apply for aid at Christmas. When adopted they will receive a Christmas food hamper containing an entire Christmas meal and gifts for every family member. This year there were 1500+ requests made to the program. The organization was only able to fill 1100 of those requests. They reached out to businesses and organizations for help, and they adopted 256 families. Another plea for help has been announced to fill the remaining 135 family requests.  

When I worked at the University, we would adopt a family. We started out with a family of four and we soon realized that we were able to adopt a larger family. The last year I was there, we adopted a family of ten. Everyone stepped up to the plate and made sure each family member was blessed. What an experience for the staff members as they delivered the items to a very gracious family brimming with strong emotions and tears. 

I loved being part of adopting a family. It saddens me to think that the needs have now outgrown the program.  

I love to hear about real life love stories, and this will be one of my favorites. In Iowa a man decorates an entire street to honor his wife, who loves Christmas. His wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's four years ago and since then he creates meaningful memories for her. This man is a marine veteran and said after she passes, he will continue to decorate as long as he is able. He said, "She wanted Christmas, so I'd give it to her. I'd do anything to make her happy". What a beautiful story of love and devotion. 

I know so many people that admit they need nothing. If they do want something they will buy it. I also know people that need help. The generosity of others makes such a difference in the lives of so many. Digging deep into our pockets is the most obvious way to help financially. December is also a time to get creative and help others that only want to be remembered. It costs nothing to make a call to a friend, give a hug to someone that is sad, share a treat with a lonely neighbor and the list can go on. 

Kids deserve to have a magical Christmas. As is with everything in life, the magic will be different in every home. Some children will have all they wanted and more. Others will have that one precious toy. It warms my heart knowing there are so many people out there working hard to make Christmas what it is meant to be. There is no doubt in my mind, that each of you have your own way of being part of "making it a December to remember" for someone that needs help.