Thursday, November 13, 2008

A Time to Give

The giving season is upon us and we have been trying to think of ways to give. Last Christmas Noah really wanted to ring the bells for the Salvation Army. By the time we called and asked about it, it was close to Christmas and they didn't need any more volunteers. This week Todd called right away and got Noah scheduled to do it. He is so excited and I'm sure that afterwards, he will want to do it again. For those of you in town, Noah is ringing the bell and collecting money for the Salvation Army on Friday night from 5-7 at KMart. If you're out and about, stop by and drop some change in the bucket......he'll love it!

After Drew's class visited Quanada (a shelter for abused women and children) when he was in kindergarten and donated toys there, he has wanted to continue that. For a few years, he has worked at his Great Uncle David's tree stand and used his money to buy games to donate. This year we're thinking of donating food for the food pantry. After hearing how all the food pantries are short and knowing how many families are in need of something so basic as food, I think that will be our project for this Christmas.

They both seem like such little things but if everybody gave just a little of their time and/or money, it would make such a huge difference. This Christmas let's try to not to focus as much on the shopping and presents but to focus on the real meaning of the season.

What can you do to give this year???







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When making our your Christmas cards this year, send an extra one or two to our wounded soldiers who have done so much for us.

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I WANT to visit a place like Quanada this year. But honestly, I always feel simultaneously grateful AND SAD when I leave a place like this.

we are so blessed, and you're right, it's CRUCIAL to pass on the blessings.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you have your family plan of giving to those less fortunate than yourselves well in hand for the Holiday Season. It is wonderful your kids want to be involved too. I'm so proud of them, and of you as parents to get them thinking of others at a young age.

Thank you for sharing the address for the service personnel. I will be sure to use it myself.

CFC Flames '04 said...

What wonderful parents you guys are to be raising such great children. This year we are (as usual) donating to the food pantry and making goodies and playing board games with senior citizens with our homeschool group. A few years back we got hotels to donate cases of little soaps and mouthwash, shampoo, etc. and we gave those to a shelter for abused women. We should do that again this year....thanks for reminding me!

Abbie said...

I hope I do as awesome of a job with my girls as you have done with your boys, momma kelly. You just rock. And so do your kids :)

Kellan said...

Thanks for that message and that address - what a great idea!

Take care - Kellan

Beth said...

Well we already did the food pantry at Quanada, I'm making a dessert for the Salvation Army Thanksgiving meal and we'll continue to do the Angel Tree for kids around our kids' ages. I have been trying to talk Matt & the kids into ringing bells at the mall but so far no luck. Maybe I'll get them to help with the Good News wrapping presents.

I've been trying this entire year to give more. I want my kids to understand helping is important.

Kat said...

Way to get in the spirit!

Last year we rang bells (remember that post?) and we are currently doing a food drive at school. I'm sure we will ring bells again this year. The boys loved it. :)

Controlling My Chaos said...

Great ideas. We've been hitting the canned goods hard this season. It seems like every time we turn around we're donating more to another club that's collecting them. It feels good. I'm going to try extra hard this season to give more. You'll be my inspiration. :)

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

My Cub Scouts need to do several service projects, and the food pantry is always one people are willing to help with. We usually leave a note on doors and go a few days later to collect from the entire neighborhood. It's a good way to collect a LOT of food!