The crowded malls and nostalgic, holiday-themed commercials are a sign that the holidays are fast approaching. It's not hard to get absorbed in the whirlwind of the holidays as we go down the to-do lists of presents to get, greeting cards to write up and festivities to set up around the house. All the while, chatter and excitement are alive in the air.
Yet I remember that it was not so long ago on a chilly December evening when I sat in a classroom full of curious faces, a full cardboard box at my feet. They couldn't be more than eight years old, and they were not my cousins or relatives; these were kids whose families couldn't afford lots of gifts. But it was apparent that as soon as they made their way to the front of the line, a gift placed in hand, that their hearts skipped a little and smiled.
That was in the winter of eighth grade, and the experience still has not left me. It's moments like those that remind me that the holidays are not just about the ten names on your shopping list, but for those you wouldn't normally meet. So for the holidays, my advice is to look within yourself so that you can find a way to give to those who need it most.
They say that childhood memories are what make us what we are today, but what if these memories are limited? Toys for Tots is a non-profit organization aimed to making those memories a little brighter during the holidays. The organization collects donations of packaged or new toys or even monetary donations for needy children. They usually hold organized toy drives, and your school might just be part of one. For information on how to submit your donations or how to volunteer, go to www.toysfortots.org.
Another option is the Salvation Army's annual Holiday Angel Tree program. Every year around Christmas time, companies and corporations donate a tree to be placed in a busy area often frequented by passers-by. The trees are decorated with angel-shaped paper tags stating the name, age and gender of a child in need who is looking forward to receiving a little something cheerful for the holidays. This year, why not consider taking down a tag, and getting achild what he/she is looking for this holiday.
It is also important to keep in mind that it's not just in the United States where some people unfortunately would be empty-handed during the holiday time. World Vision, an organization working towards fighting world hunger, provides an opportunity for you to donate in honor of your loved ones, to the children and families in need around the world. Donations go towards a variety of gifts such as providing a dairy cow for a family, a well for a community that's miles away from running water, or even a fruit tree. See their gift catalog at www.worldvision.org.
The possibilities do not end there. There will always be opportunities to entertain sick children stuck in your local hospital during the holidays or local homeless shelters that are usually bustling with volunteer opportunities around Christmas time. Just remember, a little something you do this year can make for someone else an unforgettable memory.
close window