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Nestled snuggly in our comfortable little world we sometimes forget that others are not as lucky as we are. It is usually when images of the hungry or homeless are splashed before us that we are reminded that we really must give ourselves a reality check on life. We have it within ourselves to care and compared to others less fortunate than ourselves, we have plenty to share. It doesn't take much to make a difference in another individuals life, and it can mean just so much to those, that we reach out to help.

It is often the smallest things that can bring comfort to another living creature, a simple smile or a touch for someone who is alone, a hot cup of coffee offered on a cold day, a meal to fill an empty stomach or a warm blanket for them to curl up in at night. We have so much that we can give.

A warm toque, pair of socks or mittens can mean the world to a homeless person. It can be the difference between life and death. These individuals spend a lot more time out of doors than we do and cold weather is a hardship that most of us cannot even begin to imagine. Feet are often in shoes or boots for extended periods of time, the socks dampen, and the feet freeze in colder evenings. Foot infections are commonplace. A clean warm pair of socks can mean so much. Knitted mittens scarf and toque to protect the neck, hands and ears in the cold can be a blessing beyond our imagination. Knitting an extra little gift doesn't take a lot of time and it can be done while a person sits and watches television in the evenings. Donated to local shelters, Veteran's services, Churches or Salvation Army these small gifts can make a tremendous difference in another person's quality of life.

Helping an elderly neighbor with their yard work on a regular basis can mean the difference between that elderly person having the ability to remain in their home for the remainder of their life or their being forced to move into a care facility. Government agencies don't often provide help for shoveling snow in winter or mowing the grass in summer and in later years these chores can be very difficult for seniors to manage. Many seniors are just surviving on their pensions and hiring someone to do these tasks for them is not an option that they can afford. A gift of a small amount of your time can mean just so much. Time is not often thought of as a means of giving, but it is indeed, a creative giving to those in need.

We have all been in the department or grocery store when a mom with a handful

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