by Taye Foster Bradshaw

Created on: December 03, 2009

The most beautiful thing about this year is that it slows people down and gives them a chance to realize that they are not in this humanity alone, there are others who are less fortunate. In this economic hardship, the second Christmas of this recession, it is even more apparent that the need to help exists. There are many ways to help.

My daughter has a December birthday. One of the things we did was to ask her guests to bring a gift for a little girl in foster care. Many of her guests brought two gifts. My daughter got to select one item to keep. It is never too early to involve the children in giving to others and getting them away from the marketing of a commercial holiday. She is now excited about wrapping the presents.

Other ways to help those with less is to purchase gift cards. Target has gift cards that allow you to purchase any amount. They even came out with gift card coins, they come in a pack of 5, worth $5 each. These can be spread out in gift bags at a local elementary school.

We went to the counselor at my daughters' elementary school and asked if we could help a family. The need is great. We did a sibling group, purchased items and gift cards for each. We asked that the donation be anonymous since my daughters go to school with the family.

One of the things that is important to remember is that even people we would not normally think of being needy are now needy through this recession. I live in an affluent suburb and just one elementary school has normally employed white collar families now unemployed. The thing to remember is that while it is great to give a gift and help at this time of year, the need is all year long.

Organizations such as the United Way, Salvation Army, and in my area, KirkCare Food Pantry and 100 Neediest Families are always in need of help. Donations of time are always welcomed to make a child's holiday great. If you are cash strapped but time rich, consider donating to read to children who are spending Christmas in the hospital. Consider helping bag holiday meal baskets at your local food pantry or better yet, organize one in your neighborhood. When you have your holiday get-togethers, ask the guests to bring a food item or toy item instead of hostess gifts. Make it a group effort and wrap the presents together.

The greatest thing to give is time and love. We all possess that in some way. It only takes a moment to stop the hustle and bustle of our holiday festivities to remember the clerk at the sales counter, the

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