THE JOY OF GIVING

By Jody McPhearson
An Inspirational Speaker @ The Re-De-Fined Project

It's almost Christmas time! Are you as excited as we are here? Let me say that some of my best memories are centered around Christmas time. However, it seems that over the last several years, Christmas has become all about getting. Have you noticed that? Kids list get longer and longer. The items get more and more expensive. Even adults seem to be all about the presents. What happened to the Joy of Giving?

Years ago, when our son was in middle school, we began a tradition of giving. Anytime he got two new shirts, he would have to give two shirts away. He would have to research the local charity, or select a family, as together we would go to donate the clothing. On year, as Christmas approached, it dawned on me that there was an opportunity to do the same with Christmas. However, this time, we would go through his closet and toys prior to the holiday and get rid of items that did not fit, that he no longer played with, wore, or just didn't use anymore.  We found great joy in giving as a family.

If more families incorporated some sort of charity into their holidays, I believe that the joy of giving would make our communities better. Many families that have small children and need help with Christmas items would be overjoyed to receive a gift from friends and neighbors. The holidays are some of the fondest memories for many people. It would be a tragedy if those happy memories were to be replaced by sadness and depression due to these economic times!

As we go about celebrating the holidays, let us make certain to keep our neighbors in mind. Let us be  do more than just wave a happy holidays, and check off our excessive Christmas list for ourselves. 

Let us look to programs such as the Buckeye Outreach for Social Services' "Joy of Giving". They are accepting  donations of toys, jackets, blankets, household items and non-perishable food to help local Buckeye families this holiday season.  Literally, they are bringing back the Joy of Giving, and we want to be apart of it!

So, for our part, we will be there to donate and volunteer.  We hope that you join us as we welcome back, the "Joy of Giving"!