Give To Receive

As we celebrate the holiday giving season, I wanted to share a few simple ways that you can share your own blessings with those who may be in need.

When many people think of giving to charity, they immediately think of money. Financial contributions are always needed by most all charities, but time and energy are just as important! Volunteering your time, energy, talents, and abilities are great ways to ensure that the people in your community - or the people who are involved with a cause that you are passionate about - get everything they need this season.

No matter who you are, you've got something to share that can make this world a better place to be... and this is the perfect time of year to share it!

Here are some simple ways that you can add positive energy and positive change to the world this giving season...

• Volunteer your time at a local food bank, and bring along any extra non-perishable items you may have around your own home.
• Connect with local community action programs to see how you can help at their next fundraising event. If you are an artist, local business, or if you have a great talent - chances are they can put you to work!
• If you have a creative talent or own a business, this is a great time of year to sponsor a raffle, auction, or giveaway that directly benefits a charity.
• As your family prepares for the holiday season, get everyone in on doing something special for an individual, family, or supporting agency in need. While you pick up all the goodies for your festivities, get a few extra things to take to a local shelter or food bank.

As you can see, it's easy and fun to participate in making the world a better place to be!

The Power Of Giving

November is known for being the month of gratitude due to the Thanksgiving holiday, but did you also know that this is the perfect month to get charitable?

As the cool weather months approach in some places, and as the holidays grow near, the importance of sharing what we have with those who have less becomes more important. During this time of year, it's the perfect opportunity to clean closets, raid pantries, and find extra funds to share with those who are in need.

I love taking this season as a chance to go through all of my winter clothing to see what others may need. I also like to think ahead for the big holidays and figure out simple things I can do to make a difference in people's lives.

If you have extra time, money, or goods that you can share with your community - now is the time to do it. This is the most important time of year to share because the weather can be extremely hard on the homeless and those who cannot afford winter clothing or provisions. This truly is the season of sharing!

I encourage each of you to go above and beyond this year to share, give, and empower!

The Power Of Giving

One of the most important things we can do in life is share ourselves and our resources with the people and places around us. Giving allows us a special opportunity to make the lives of others so much more powerful, and there's no doubt that we each benefit whenever we give in so many countless ways.

Many people choose to use a small percentage of their income for charity while others give time, energy, or wisdom in service of community programs or global efforts. No matter what you do, you're doing a great thing!

A great way to find a charitable organization to support from afar or to work with directly is to look at your own passions. Do you know someone living with autism, multiple sclerosis, or cancer? Look at charities that help raise funds and awareness for those illnesses to do your part. Are you a serious animal lover? The Human Society and various no-kill shelters are always in need of money, time, and supplies. Love nature? Volunteer to clean up a local park, help build a safe trail, or give your time teaching kids at a local community garden.

No matter what your own abundance and time schedule may be, there are countless ways that you can help change someone else's life - and your own - through the power of giving!