25 Days of Giving...part 2

The turkey is digested. The left-over’s are refrigerated. Our waistline is starting to return to its normal position. Black Friday is over. It is time to plunge head-first into the insanity... um, er, I mean, "magic" of December.

As I talked about in part 1 of the "25 Days of Giving" series, my family and I have  revised our Advent calendar so that over the course of twenty-five days, there will be a new activity to do that blends celebrating the holidays with the gift of service. Each week, I’ll share with you our list of ideas and some of the programs in Harford County that might need the community's help. Please feel free to share your own ideas and community resources. 

From my family to yours, wishing you all a very peaceful and happy holiday season!

6. Christmas tree: Trimming the tree can add so much more than just light to your house (and dollar signs to your electric bill). Simply purchase a tree from a group that donates part of their sales to the needy. Another option is to support a local boy scout troop and know that part of your money is going to an organization dedicated to improving our community. 

How to get your kids involved: What little kid doesn’t love Christmas tree shopping with their family? The only addition to this tradition is to explain to them where some of the proceeds go and how, because of your purchase, someone will now be able to experience the excitement of their own Christmas tree.

7. Presents for a Purpose: Good Cause is a foundation based out of Havre de Grace that promotes community involvement, volunteerism, and partnerships to benefit the people of Harford and Cecil counties. This year, Good Cause is sponsoring "Presents with a Purpose" which will help provide gifts and clothing to over 150 children in both counties.  To sponsor a child or volunteer, please call (443) 502-0152 or e-mail marysampson@serveagoodcause.org.

How to get your kids involved: After purchasing and delivering your donation, why not take part in Havre de Grace's holiday activities, such as their annual holiday parade (December 2nd) or participate in the 1K fun walk (December 4th) http://www.runningwiththereindeer.com/?

8. Shopping the Sales: A few people have mentioned that the holidays are a hard time on everyone’s wallets and although we’d all love to spend thousands on those in need, it’s just not feasible. One idea is to make sure you shop those “Buy one, get one free” sales, especially during this week after Thanksgiving. Not only do you get to cross an item off of your kid’s wish list, but you get to add a wish for another child.

How to get your kids involved: This is a great time to dialog with your child about
giving back to those children who didn’t circle every single toy in the Sunday
circular’s. For those children who believe in Santa, be careful not to say that the kids you are buying for won’t have any presents since we all know Santa delivers to everyone but maybe say something like, “What if there was one thing that the elves weren’t able to make for you? We can pretend to be little elves and help Santa out this year.” It will help them understand the process and maybe even help them appreciate how hard people work up there at the North Pole.

9. Holiday Mail for Heroes: Sponsored by the Red Cross and Pitney Bowes, families are encouraged to send holiday cards to service members, veterans and their families. Please see their website for specific guidelines: http://redcrosschat.org/2011/11/03/holiday-mail-for-heroes-2011/
and remember that they must be post-marked by December 9.

How to get your kids involved: Get out those holiday stickers, markers, crayons and construction paper and get creative. Talk with your child about what makes
someone a hero and how important it is to thank them for their service and
sacrifice.

10. Anna’s house:  Anna’s House offers transitional and permanent housing for homeless women and their children in Harford County. In order to meet the diverse needs of the families they work with, they would be grateful for gift cards to area stores, such as Walmart, Target, grocers, etc. Any amount is welcome. Please visit http://catholiccharities-md.org/annas-house/ for contact information.

How to get your child involved: Have them pick out the gift card and come with you to deliver it. Ask the volunteer coordinator if there are any other needs you and your family can help fulfill throughout the year. One option that my family chose to do a few years ago was to make the residents monthly meals. Not only did this give my family time in the kitchen but we were then able to deliver the meals together.