'Tis the season of holiday cheer and thoughtful giving! As Mother Teresa quotes "It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." We couldn't have said it any better. There are so many ways to show your loved ones, distant relatives, next door neighbors and your community that you care. It's time to evaluate your giving spirit with these 5 special ways to give back this season!
"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." - Mother Teresa
1. Pack a shoe box with Operation Christmas Child
Get involved with the Samaritan's Purse to pack a special gift to bless children in need around the world! This is a great opportunity to share the power of giving with your family as well! Packing a shoe box gift is easy...you can even pack one virtually online! Visit www.samaritanspurse.org to start packing your gift. But don't wait! The deadline to drop off you shoe box gift at nearby locations is Monday, November 22nd.
2. Donate to the Giving Tree
"This year, the Pioneer Center is sponsoring a holiday giving tree covered with wishes for those in need. The wishes will provide much needed items that they may not otherwise receive or be able to afford during the holidays." - Orcity.org
Spreading a little extra cheer is simple! Pick an ornament from the giving tree at the Pioneer Center, located at 615 5th St in Oregon City. Purchase the gift(s) listed and return the ornament and unwrapped gift(s) to the Pioneer Center by December 16th. Pioneer Center volunteers will wrap and deliver the gifts to the family and also to the residents of the Oregon City Residential Center for Christmas.
3. Give gently used item's to The Father's Heart Street Ministry
Winter weather is upon us, and The Father's Heart Ministry is in immediate need of warm sleeping bags, coats, jackets, blankets and food goods. Partner with this amazing and community changing organization this year to help our friends in need on the street. To learn more about The Father's Heart mission visit their website at tfhstreetministry.com.
4. Gift poinsettias to your neighbor
Poinsettia plants are the symbol of good cheer and success so why not bless your neighbors by giving these thoughtful and seasonal flowers to celebrate this time of year!
5. Share a meal with someone
It might be a surprise, but for some the holiday season is the loneliest time of the year. Individuals who are single parents or those who are distant from family or friends are especially in need of extra love and care. Our challenge to you is to share a meal with someone unlikely. Perhaps it's the single parent from work or the elderly woman from down the street. Whoever it may be, welcome them to your home! The meal doesn't have to be fancy but we know that your time with them will be time well spent.
Do you have unique and special way you like to give back to your loved one and community? Share it with us! We would love to know and include your idea on this blog post!
Happy Holidays!
