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How to donate to those in need for the holidays? Why wait for the holidays. Since this is the religious and spiritual column, if you have to read this to figure out how to donate, then get down on your knees and start praying. It just slays me how at Christmas time, people who have no idea about giving and love and forgiveness and sacrifice and laying down their lives for their fellow man POP out of the woodwork.

Since I don't want to be judgmental, one of the sins I deal with, we'll see if I can offer some suggestions.

Toys for Tots: they have donation spots everywhere, the armed forces support this charity contact them.

Council for the Blind: Call them or pay attention to your mail, they send cards out during the year for donations.

Salvation Army: The bell ringers are out in full force. I donate 10% of my tips. It is very cold in my area , you could give the person a hot cocoa or a hot cup of coffee, they need your care too.

Purple Heart: Same as the Council for the Blind

Volunteers of America: They take cars, you call them, they send a tow truck and give you a tax deductible receipt.

There are all kinds of associations to donate money, clothing, appliances, books, and just about any item in your home. All you have to do is pick up the phone.

OK, how about your time. During the holidays the woodwork people are filled with guilt. The food serving places have more than enough help this time of year. Try checking with your local church to see what programs they sponsor. Than volunteer a few hours to sort clothing, or food or whatever they need. There are always the area shelters, adoption/foster care facilities, Big Brothers/Sisters, Nursing homes, hospitals and crisis centers. Believe it or not there are some people who are totally alone on Christmas.

If you take the time to think, ask, or pray, a need will surface for you to fill. Maybe there is a child on your street that just lost a parent, you can take them out shopping. Now if you can't handle any killer emotional thing, you can volunteer for a parade, or drop off candy somewhere.

Everyone has a need. There is probably someone in your own family or circle of friends, that has a need you can fill. Driving or shopping with an older person. A plate of food and a egg nog for the widow next door. Make up a few stockings and drop them off at the children's hospital. The single mom or dad that could use a break.

From what I've heard, (I have a cousin in LA) the Katrina area is still suffering and in dire need.

If you want points with the BIG GUY, do your donating in secret. Your heart will be filled and God and you will have a special bond. As a last ditch effort. Go to the library or video store and get some Christmas books or movies that will stir up the spirit and give you some ideas.

Now my heart is breaking, just put yourself in the other guys shoes and I'm sure you can figure out how to donate to those in need during the holidays.

Merry Christmas

Learn more about this author, Gayle Jackson.
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