The Spirit of Christmas - how to help the needy.

With Christmas fast approaching, and the economy still not gaining much traction, my thoughts often go to those people who are less fortunate than me. In past years it has been people who could not afford presents for their children and this year, more than ever, these people are in my mind.

I’m one of the lucky ones who has a decent job and is fairly secure – I have the ability to give presents to my children, but what can we do to assist those in need at this special time of year.

For me, there are several things – luckily I have been involved in, or been able to give to some wonderful charities:

KPMG Give a Bear

My company this year decided to forgo Christmas gifts for employees and a Christmas party, instead the entire firm spent a morning building bears to give to local charities all around the country – all together we donated over 20,000 bears and books to charity.

Not only was this a great even to get to know each other within the company, but it also makes you feel good knowing that you’ve help bring a little joy to Christmas.

In addition to this, our company also allows us to donate gifts, which again are distributed to local charities.

Kevin’s Kids

In our local community, there are many unfortunate parents who simply cannot afford to buy gifts for their children. Kevin’s Kids is a foundation formed by a local teacher; not only does he donate thousands of dollars to his own foundation, but he also organize a hardy bunch of people to go out to local firms and ask for donations – these wonderful people then wrap the gifts and sort the gifts so that no local family within our school system goes without Christmas presents.

While I cannot participate in this, as I work too far away, I am proud to say that my wife is one of the helpers – to see the joy on here face when she comes home and says ‘Toy R US’ donated 500 bikes today, or Target gave us 100s of games today is wonderful. It’s also a huge testament to our local stores to see how much, even in hard times, they are prepared to give to our local charities.

Give a Toy

Our local outdoor ‘concert’ arena hosts a ‘Christmas lights’ event every year with thousands of displays around their ground. As you enter, the army is waiting to collect toys for local children. This wonderful event not only is fun to go to, but it also allows you to bring some additional joy to local children, with the help of our amazing armed forces.

Boy and Girl Scouts

Every year the local boy and girl scouts collect food (tins etc) to create packages to ensure that no family in our area goes without a Christmas Dinner – many of the local food stores also donate Turkeys and other Christmas Foods. I am deeply saddened that in this day and age there are still people in this country who cannot afford Christmas Dinner.

What more can I do?

Christmas is a time for joy and happiness – spare a couple of dollars for the local charity and you’ll be spreading some happiness; Volunteer at your local homeless shelter; there are many things you can do to help out. Ask your local community, or Chuch if they need volunteers – there’s always something that needs doing.