 For some people, this season can be particularly difficult. Yet, if
you are standing at the right time and in the right space, you will
notice other people moving with a spring in their step and a gleam
in their eye, reveling in the holiday season. You will see them
greeting perfect strangers with hale messages of goodwill as though
they were dear friends and family.These happy people hold a key
to wealth beyond earthly riches. They carry something inside that we
can all share in, if we open ourselves up for it.
What is their secret?
If you would stop these people and ask the right questions, you
would find that what most of them share is an attitude of
gratefulness. They are not thinking about what they don't have.
That's not to say that they lack wants or wishes, but they
appreciate what they have already, and gratitude is more at the
center of their being.
Another measure that lifts the spirit is when you look to the
needs of others.
The scope of giving is broad. It might be money or gifts, or it
might be as simple as being present when someone needs somebody just
to be there. It can be in the form of your talents or your labor.
But, whatever it is, it should be what you can and want to do.
A poll of those working in the LDN newsroom pretty much hit all
aspects of how to give to others. You may not know the people who
work for LDN, but they are a great bunch. They appreciate and enjoy
working with one another. They are an industrious lot and love the
work they do. And, they clearly care for others outside their home
and their workplace.
To avoid embarrassing anyone, below is a mixed-up compilation
from the actual responses to a couple of questions about who or how
our staff say they like to help and what charities they like to
donate to, particularly around the holiday time:
"Holidays are sharing a hug, smile and giving someone encouraging
words. It's about taking our eyes off of us and looking for the
need."
"We do what we can when we can. And, we try to spread it out
throughout the year, not just at Christmas time."
"I like to get a star off one of the trees and buy gifts for
children."
"There are many local organizations that need support, and even
though what we give isn't a large amount, we know that even a few
cents dropped in a Red Kettle at Christmas time adds up to something
significant eventually."
"For us, the most important part of giving is to give from the
heart with humility. We don't give so other people will notice, and
we don't give so we'll get our name on a list, we give because we
care and because we want to help."
"I always look for someone who I can cook for that is having a
difficult time. Maybe it's an elderly person who is having health
issues or just some one who needs a little fussing over. And if I
make something that I know is a favorite of yours, I try to send a
meal or two your way."
"Another important key for us is that we support local groups
that use the money to help our neighbors. In Logan County those
types of groups are not hard to find. There are dozens of them,
including the clubs such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Jaycees and many more."
"And, we always want to offer our help to those groups and
organizations that help children. Kids have no control over their
situation, and it is hard for them to have nothing when they see
their friends at school who have much, so if a dollar here or there
or a storybook dropped in a Toys for Tots bin can make their holiday
better, that is a gift worth giving."
"Given what has happened in Washington, Ill., we need to remember
how blessed we are."
Favorite charities named:
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Salvation Army and United Way use the funds raised
locally to support local programs.
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Logan County Food Pantry
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Feeding America
The Central Illinois Foodbank gets one-third of its food
from national donations through Feeding America. Mailings
from Feeding America indicate that a donation of $1 provides
$19 worth of food, or if they have a matching grant in
effect, which they often do, it's $38 worth. That's a huge
return, and they make use of food that might otherwise go to
waste. Another way they put it is that $1 given equals nine
meals. http://feedingamerica.org/
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Habitat for Humanity of Logan County
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The Humane Society of Logan County
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Local organizations: Jaycees, Rotary, Zonta,
Kiwanis, all those doing work for the betterment of the
community
If you haven't done so lately, take a moment and be thankful for
all that you have — mind, body, friends, family... It takes you
above any external or material circumstance and lifts the heart and
spirit.
Close your eyes for a few seconds. It helps to smile while you do
this. If you are being watched, it will make someone else smile too.
Now think to yourself, "I am most thankful for..."
Think on all that was good in this past year. If you ate
regularly, brought home a paycheck regularly or did well in school;
if you enjoyed some good times with friends and family; if you have
your health; with just this much, you have a tremendous amount to be
thankful for. Thank your Maker.
Also consider how you might help someone else. Be reasonable. If
you have funds, give where you know it will do good. If you have
time, share where you will enjoy it, find somewhere to volunteer, or
just choose to spend one day to do acts of kindness.
Find somewhere there is a need, and give. Children need guidance,
teens need support, seniors need a helping hand. Opportunities
abound through schools, nursing homes, the libraries, the park
district, the YMCA, and local parks and trails. Check with Community
Action about less financially fortunate local neighbors who might
need a hand by way of what you have to offer.
Acts of courtesy are free to give and make the world a better
place. Get up one day and try this: See how many things you can do
without it costing you a thing as you go through your day, things
you can do that will make someone's day better, and be prepared to
be surprised by what comes over you.
Once you find what's right for you, you will probably make it a
habit for many years to come.
Remember, it does not require material wealth to give to others.
A simple smile, a handshake, a pat on the back, a gentle greeting is
always appreciated and may even touch someone's heart just when they
need it most.
[LDN]
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