The Season of Giving

Today was an eye opening experience.

Honestly, I knew when I heard, but it was a reinforcing moment.

Today we brought about 48+ cans to the Cans Across the Park collection today. It was awesome! The best part was the kids were upset we had to leave. They were having fun organizing the cans and knew exactly why they were there. We were helping gather cans to feed the less fortunate.

In our house, we discuss this stuff all of the time.

We have a Pantry box that we stock with items from our shopping trips to donate to the food pantries. We don't throw away our clothes. Instead we pass them on to cousins, friends, or the less fortunate. We don't throw away the toys they no longer use. We usually donate them to a charity.

Well, today we left the park and headed over to Gifts to Give. This is a local non-profit organization that truly operates as a non-profit. None of the staff is paid. Yes, you read that correctly. They have been in operation for 2yrs and NONE of the staff is paid!!! Now, isn't that what a non-profit organization should be doing??

Anyway, they are awesome. They collect items from the community and then volunteers of all ages help sort, clean, organize, pack, wrap, etc all of the items. When I say all ages, I mean ALL ages!! They even have the 3-4 yr olds make wrapping paper for the birthday gifts that go out to the kids in need. Older kids can help sort clothes, repair or organize games, or clean toys.

They take everything people bring. Whatever is "rejected" for the gifts is either recycled, repurposed, sold in a yard sale that helps with their overhead, or (very little of it) is tossed.

So you might think that their main purpose is to send gifts and clothes to less fortunate, right?? NOPE!

Their main purpose is to get people to volunteer!

Isn't that great?!

It gives everyone the opportunity to get involved. It gives EVERYONE the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.

We are now trying to figure out when we can go help. The kids didn't want to leave that either. I love my kids! They are so amazing. I need to make sure that doesn't wear off. I need to make sure that it rubs off on our friends.

They already want to go through their stuff again and donate some of it. Maybe you have somethings you can bring over. Or you might want to volunteer some of your time to help. Visit their website!

It's the season of giving... what can you offer?