Tis The Season To Be Giving

Dear Readers, Have you ever wanted to help someone that was less fortunate than you and didn't know how. Well, I am tagging everyone who reads my blog to do something more. This year I saw something that got me thinking; how many of us have a coat or blanket or even clothes that you don't need or are planning to throw away. There is someone out there who needs them. One year back when it was really cold outside, I was driving in Salt lake and I saw a young lady who was standing on the street with a sign asking for money or food. I don't know about any of you but I hate giving money away because you really don't know how they will spend it. I remembered that I had a long coat in my trunk that I didn't want any longer so I got out and gave it to her. She looked so happy. She said thanks and put it on. I left feeling good about what I did and I knew it was going to good use. Well, today I saw an online add to donate a coat to the homeless. It got me thinking about all the coats I have sitting around my house not being used. I've decided that I'm going to give them away including some blankets that I don't use. This year, lets give instead of take. I'm Challenging you to give something to the less fortunate. It does not even have to be a coat. It could just be something else to help those that are in need of a little more. We as a family have decided to start a new holiday tradition to give something away each season while my kids are still young. I would like them to grow up knowing that they can make a difference and spread a little Christmas cheer by helping others. The church wards usually do a Sub For Santa, Angel Trees or Wish Trees. I think it's a great way to get the children more involved.

I did a little homework on where and how to do some things. Fletcher's aunt is gathering coats, blankets, and clothes that are still in good shape to take up to a homeless shelter in Salt Lake City. If anyone is interested and wants to donate as well, I could gather them somehow and give them to her. Another way is that each church ward should have someone in charge of the humanitarian services and would be knowledgeable on what to do. Also, Deseret Industries has a place by the distribution center in Salt Lake that takes overstock or things that don't sell and ships them to third-world countries. You can specify that you would like a certain item to go and they will send them. I've listed just a couple of ideas, but I know there are so many more options out there if you just look.

If you have done something special this season and would like to share your story, please post a message about it. I think this is something that would be fun to share on our blogs.