The SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine 4th Issue | Page 21

nizations collecting new toys or
goods so people less fortunate
than us will have presents under
their tree on Christmas morning; food shelves and shelters recruiting volunteers to help with
preparing or serving holiday
meals. Heaven knows it’s a busy
time of year (how many lists do
you have going? I have three…),
but we need to take the time to
consciously make the needs of
others in our community a part
of our holiday season, sharing
the joy we experience in our
own families.

holding their hand, even for a Christmas. There are more opshort while, can mean the world portunities than you can imagine when it comes to what charto someone.
itable organizations need, much
How about, as a family, con- less during the holidays when
sciously placing all of your needs often seem to be greater.
loose change after each shopping trip (even a run for milk!) The holiday season is a great
into a jar for a month that is time to get (you and) your
youngster involved in somedesignated for a charity?
thing. It can be small – many
Watch how quickly the change life lessons don’t need parades
piles up, and at the end of that and exclamation points – and
month donate the money to the perhaps starting small is the best
charity in person – and watch way to make your heart grow
how happy you will make them. four sizes in one day. Or, better
Perhaps the best part? Mak- yet, help someone ELSE’S heart
Anyone – even children - can ing them happy will also make grow four sizes in one day. §
participate in charitable giving YOU happy.
by donating time, money, or
A few years ago, my teenaged Tawni Reller owns her own
goods. All three are valuable in
Godson wouldn’t give me any consulting company and is
different ways, and all three can
ideas for his Christmas and the Treasurer of Monkey Do
result in a rewarding experience.
birthday presents. (His birth- Project, a 501 (c )(3) charitable
During the holiday season,
day is just after Christmas.) organization.
when much of the marketing
Frustrated, I turned the tables
is targeted toward children, it’s
a bit and spent the money I
an opportunity for your child
had allocated to his Christto share their wealth (of time,
mas present on four pretty
money, or goods) with the less
awesome dolls and dofortunate people in their comnated them to Toys for
munity.
Tots on his behalf. To my
Have you thought about vol- (pleasant) surprise, he
unteering with your child at a was THRILLED that
nursing home or assisted liv- I did that! He even
convinced his cousing facility?
ins to each donate
The elderly love (LOVE) the one of their new
young folks, as well as playing toys to a famcards, reading story books, do- ily shelter in
ing crafts, and telling stories. their city the
Giving someone your time and week after
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