The holidays remind us that it is better to give than to receive and to give with a joyful heart. We tell the stories of the holidays and of kings bearing gifts; we tell the old story of the man who sold his most precious item, his grandfather’s pocket watch, to buy his wife combs for her hair, while she cut her hair and sold it to buy him a watch fob.
But we need to remember the stories not told often enough, of those who give constantly without a second thought. Those who work in health and safety, rescue personnel, EMTs, nurses and clerks–they often give while at work and afterward. Teachers buy supplies out of their own pockets. Neighbors watch after elders and each other’s children. Professionals give of their time in community centers and retirement homes. And scores of people make a paycheck deduction at companies that facilitate it or write a check every quarter and drop it in the mail. Even buying candy or cookies from the children during drives for schools and organizations is an act of giving. Sometimes we do it without a second thought because that’s who we are. It is what we do. And we do it with joy.
Every day we have an opportunity to give, but we are reminded, yearly, of those less fortunate than ourselves because the holidays are supposed to be a time of family and togetherness, but some families don’t have the wherewithal, or even the location, to celebrate together. Won’t you consider helping a family enjoy the holidays by clicking the Donate button below and giving something–anything–to Haven of Hope City Within a City and see what you an create with us?
