Operation Christmas Child

Helping others is also a gift for the giver

Each year I like to dedicate at least one post to a worthy cause. Last year, I highlighted Operation Christmas Child Canada. This year, I'm doing it again. Why? Look at that face in the picture and tell me you don't want her to have a better life.

This project is one from Samaritan's Purse Canada, an international relief site that helps raise funds and awareness in 70 countries around the world.

How this project works is explained in last year's posted videos but basically, you fill a shoe box with items that these children might need. We're talking basic necessities, as well as toys. There are certain items that you should not include and those are mentioned in last year's videos, also.

There is a religious element to this charity. I'm not at all in any way religious but helping these kids is important. As it says in this year's video, for some of these youngsters, it's the very first gift they've ever received in their whole life.

I'm including a couple of different videos this year, simply to avoid redundancy.

If you are able to send these kids something, please do, even if it is only one shoebox of items.

Of course, there are some folks who simply are unable to extend charity in this manner, due to immobility or lack of funds. If you are one of those, Operation Christmas Child may not be the place for you to give but it doesn't mean that you can't reach out to others who need you. Helping others at Chrismas doesn't have to cost you any money. There are things you can do for other people that only require a bit of time and effort. Those may be the very things that offer both the giver and the receiver the greatest gift.
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Helping Others at Christmas

Christmas is the time of year that we tend to be most charitable. For some reason or other, helping others at Christmas time is easier for us when our hearts are full of Holiday spirit. Typically, we donate toys or money to help organizations do what they can to make the Holiday merrier for families in need.

This year, due to the economic developments that have rocked the States and made the rest of the world nervous, people may not be as eager to part with their hard earned cash. With all of this year's layoffs and plant closings, the number of needy families is likely to be higher, as well. So, how can we get into helping others when we're either strapped for cash ourselves or we are on the receiving end of the charitable contributions?

There are lots of ways of helping others that cost nothing at all. It can be as simple as making a phone call or as involved as ensuring that neighbours find funding agencies to help get their furnace repaired.

How to Help Others When You Have No Money is an article full of suggestions for helping others. It even lists considerations and cautions to bear in mind when you decide to do a good deed.

If you'd like to do your bit to help your fellow human, check out the article. Having little or no money is not a good enough excuse this year.