Giving back

A recent letter to the editor drew attention to concern related to all the groups/organizations out there that are seeking your support this Christmas. The concern was that to show support of many initiatives a monetary donation had to be made. These donations are welcomed and very much appreciated by those who will accept it and in turn put it to good use helping others at home and abroad, but the writer of the letter felt that people who couldn't afford to support the various charities might feel pressured to give when they really couldn't afford it.

What one should realize is that no one expects anyone who can't afford to give to overextend themselves financially. If you can afford to give a financial, donation or a donation of food, clothing, toys, etc, rest assured it will go to good use. But there are so many other ways people can give that does not require a financial commitment. The gift of giving or your own time or skills is necessary for so many of these initiatives to be successful. For the most part they depend on volunteers to make a project successful and it's a chance for everyone to get involved whatever your economic situation.

All you have to do is ask at any of the local groups who coordinate programs at Christmas to benefit others and they will likely tell you that they can use all the volunteer help they can get. Often times it is the same few people who make initiatives like Christmas hampers and the Happy Tree a reality. Showing you appreciate what they are doing by joining with them will go far in helping spread some Christmas cheer this year.

Doing something for others doesn't have to be relegated to the confines of organized projects either. Maybe you know someone who will be alone this Christmas season. A simple visit or invitation to share in each others company may be the best gift someone can receive this Christmas. What about offering to babysit for parents you know who could really use an afternoon or evening all to themselves. Think about it yourself - wouldn't doing something like that give you more of a feeling of fulfillment than giving a whole department store worth of gifts.

Think about your own family or circle of friends and just what a gift of kindness and caring would mean to them. You don't have to look far to know that there are ways to share in the holiday spirit that won't break the bank.

We'd love for readers to share ways that they have found to show they care that might not necessarily come wrapped up with a bow. Maybe your idea will give someone the inspiration they have been looking for to show someone how much they care, and it doesn't just have to be something you do at Christmas. Send along your suggestions to editor@pilotnl.ca and we will share them with The Pilot readers.