The Helping Hands Project

Thistle has a wonderful idea going and I am going to do my part ~ you can read about it there :).

The Rules

1. Choose some way to give back. Here’s a few ideas….

* donate to the foodbank
* donate coats and blankets to a homeless shelter
* support a craft or bake sale that is in support of your local arts program or senior’s centre
* give a bag of cat litter or dog food to you favourite animal shelter
* donate blood
* throw your change in the Christmas Kettle as you’re going past
* volunteer to man the Christmas kettle
* make a new year’s resolution to volunteer some time next year to coach a kid’s T-ball team or a Special Olympics sport
* have a toy drive at school
* get a re-usable shopping bag

Something we've decided to do at work this year is rather than adopting a family, we're giving the $200 or so that we have earmarked for Christmas to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. While a family is a good idea, feeding homeless people is a better one. There are so many people that have no home, have no dinner, and it costs $2/meal or so, and if we can feed 100 people that's wonderful. I may take the money that I have for one of the boy's presents and give that, too.

I have lived a very lucky life. A far from perfect one, but I have always had a home, a warm bed and friends and family that love me and would help me out if I needed it. And sometimes, I've needed it. My son has never wanted for anything (except a male role model, but I won't go there). I've been fortunate enough that I have been able to help others out before, and I'm sure I will do it again, although maybe not to quite the extent I have (do a search on the filthy whore if you have to LOL). But life is good. Life is great, in fact. And will continue to get better. :)

So I hope everyone recognizes how lucky they are to have homes, computers, beds, TV's, friends and family. There are a lot - especially this year - that have nothing.

Pay it forward....