So I received my first check from Spanning Sync today. The referral deal that made me $1000. I pledged half to charity, and that half is already on its way to help a sick child, fund an entrepreneur in a developing country, and cure breast cancer. Thank you Spanning Sync!
With my recent wonderful experiences with non-profits and charity organizations, and the current state of our lovely economy, I’ve decided to make a change in the way we give around here during the holidays.
While I understand my kids (and especially my wife) need to unwrap presents on Christmas morning, there’s just something that bothers me about all that waste.
- The ridiculous amount of paper, ribbon and packaging really gets to me. Such a waste.
- The excess this creates. My kids aren’t any more spoiled than most kids with three sets of grandparents, but when you walk into their rooms and see all the crap they have, it’s an awakening.
So, getting to my point…in recent years I’ve pleaded with family to consider donating to the kids’ college funds, maybe in tandem with a smaller number of packaged gifts. I’ve only had limited success.
This year, I’m going to continue that request, but also add another. In place of gifts, or in addition to a smaller amount of gifts, I’m asking for a donation to charity.
I’m working with the kids to pick their favorite charities, and the wife and I are each picking one ourselves. Of our current budget for holiday gifts, I’m taking half of that and putting it to charity.
If you have the wonderful opportunity to shower your kids and/or family in gifts, please take a moment to consider the rest of the world. The less fortunate. Then, sit down with your family and discuss what you’re doing and why they should consider giving back. Give them the responsibility to pick their own charities to donate to.
- Brian: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
- Emily: Family Time
- Ryan: Village Learning & Achievement Center
- Megan: Toys for HAAM
If you can’t think of any yourself, consider the causes we listed above, or some of the opportunities below. Or check with the stores you’re shopping at. Most will be doing something for charity.
Also, even if you don’t want (or have the resources) to donate money to charity, consider donating time as a family to volunteer at a local charity handing out gifts, feeding the hungry, or some other wonderful and much-needed opportunity.
So, if you can, give back in some way. It’s really important, for all of us. Giving back feels good. It is necessary given the current state of the world, and, we’ll all be the better for it.
Happy Holidays!
P.S. Do you really need to use all that wrapping paper? Try recycling some packing paper, newspaper or anything else you have lying around. I promise, it feels just as good to rip apart as the fancy wasteful stuff. Every little bit helps.
Donation Opportunities:
Be the first to leave a comment