Thankful Giving

Thanksgiving is, of course, a time to recall what we are thankful for. I never forget that simply as a citizen of the United States I have privileges that billions of people don’t. (Thanks to all the service women and men and the people that make this country function- that is all the government, public and private workers, parents and volunteers!)

My advice: don’t be overwhelmed with what you can’t do, do what you can.

Ways to practice Thankful Giving:

1. Share your expertise at a local school, Volunteer your knowledge, time, energy. Donate needed items and money.

2. Clean out your closets and bring your extra clothes to the Goodwill, Salvation Army or local church thrift shop. Bless someone else with your excesses.

3. Contact your local hospice for ways of helping care for those on their final journey.

4. Check with your local hospital(s) for their volunteer programs.

5. Pick up your knitting or sewing needles, or crochet hook and create some kindness to warm the heart of a child, a cancer patient, a homeless person or an animal.

6. Many senior citizen centers have volunteer programs to provide companionship and community activities to senior citizens.

7. Contact a State or National Park to see what volunteer opportunities are available.

8. Become a Reading is Fundamental or Children’s literacy Program volunteer and help others learn how to read (and use the computer and internet)

9. Animal Shelters often need volunteers to help take care of animals and keep facilities clean.

10. Donate cans, non-perishables and your time to organize food your local food bank.

As an employee of Clarke Broadcasting I am glad to be a part of getting the word out about the Santa Fly-in Food and Coat drive. Collecting the new or gently used coats and non-perishable canned or packaged foods at Standard Park between 9:00am and 3:00pm on Saturday December 4th will be a spectacular community event for a really deserving charity (Interfaith Social Services) The event is posted in myMotherLode.com’s event calendar keyword santa which is for non-profit organizations and the way to learn about local ways to practice "Thankful Giving" Mother Lode community.

May all of you find many ways more ways to share and enjoy this holiday season!