Issue 11

The Spirit of Giving

Each year during the holiday season people get in the spirit of giving. There are many organizations in the area that join together to help those who are less fortunate. The Salvation Army Bell Ringing, the United Way, Operation Rudolph, Toys for Tots, the KISS-FM bike drive and the Adopt-A-Family program are a few programs that help make the holidays a little brighter for families that may not have otherwise received any gifts.

Many people feel that the holiday season has become too commercialized. Much of the season has a dollar amount placed on it with many people not putting a lot of thought into giving except for opening up their wallet and giving money to the retail store. Many people seem to be concerned with getting back just as much as what was given. Getting is not what the holidays are about. They are about giving.

Hunger and homelessness affect all walks of life from old men, young women, the rich who have lost everything to the poor who have never had anything. Many organizations work year round to assist the less fortunate and they rely heavily on the holiday season and hope people will be in a "giving" spirit. Giving does not need to stop once the New Year has come around, nor does giving always come in the form of a package wrapped with a ribbon. Organizations such as soup kitchens, nursing homes and animal shelters are always looking for donations or volunteers In a recent movie entitled, Pay It Forward, a young boy takes on a school project by trying to change the world. He believes that if one person does something nice for three different people and those three people do a nice thing for three other people, the gift of giving will continue to grow. It is like a chain reaction.

Let's help begin that chain reaction. Try and do your part whether it is near the holidays or in the middle of the summer. Make someone's day with an act of kindness.

If you would like to volunteer your time, ask your parents or your teacher where to start. If they are unsure, check with the Salvation Army, your local United Way or look in the newspaper for volunteer opportunities in your community. Who knows? Maybe you can be the first link in the chain reaction of giving.

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