"Wherever there is a human being, there is a chance for a kindness." -Seneca
Put a smile on someone’s face at Christmas time by performing an act of kindness. Many acts of kindness do not cost anything, but the benefits gained can be huge.
What are some acts of kindness to consider accomplishing during the Christmas season? Here are a few:
- Allow another driver to park in the only available space at a busy shopping center
- Call a relative or friend who you haven’t talked with in a long time
- Shovel snow from your neighbor’s driveway and sidewalk
- Send cards to service people and students who are away from home for the Christmas holiday
- Volunteer your time to help a local homeless shelter or food pantry
- Give blood
- Baby-sit to allow friends or family members to spend some time Christmas shopping (or for any other purpose)
- Donate new and used toys and clothing to charities that can put them in the arms of those who need them most
- Contribute money to your favorite charity
- Talk, listen and even sing Christmas carols with nursing home residents
You can perform one or more of these acts of kindness or you can make up your own list. Demonstrate to others that they are special and loved.
The original Christmas story is about the ultimate gift given for the purpose of changing the world. Regardless of your religious beliefs, consider spending time this holiday season finding ways to help others. Perform an act of kindness today.
Very appropros suggestions. Should be mandatory reading before heading off for the mall.
love your suggestions!
Hi Roger,
I wanted to let you know about the Nonprofit December Giving Carnival. Deadline to submit your post is Dec. 20th.
Here is the link,
http://christopherscottblog.typepad.com/blog/2007/11/december-giving.html
Let me know if you have any questions.
Christopher S.
http://www.ChristopherScottblog.com
Roger, great ideas! You might also like to check out http://www.helpothers.org for more ideas and “Smile Cards” that keep the gifts rippling out into the world.
And here is a fantastic story titled ‘For the Man Who Hated Christmas’: http://www.helpothers.org/story.php?sid=7893
ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE:
I’ve been helping a group whose sole purpose is to promote international understanding through inquiry and volunteerism. Here’s the story: Gene Steuerle and his two daughters have joined with other 9/11 families to create OUR VOICES TOGETHER, a nonprofit, non-partisan organization designed to promote citizen diplomacy – one-to-one outreach between Americans and those in other countries. The goal: to remind people outside our borders of what Americans are really like, outside the headlines, the anonymous “US Government”, TV sitcoms and dramas.
Putting “their money where their mouths are” these families have generated good from tragedy by building schools in Afghanistan, clinics in Uganda, homes in Latin America — as living memorials to those they lost and in an attempt to build a better, safer world.
They’re doing it both through town meetings across the country and projects to encourage and enable international volunteerism. http://www.ourvoicestogether.org/site/PageServer?pagename=act_home (citizen diplomacy) All their work is documented in a blog: http://www.ourvoicestogether.wordpress.com
It’s a great undertaking. In addition to the good they will do building houses or linking up with schools, those in other countries will get to know the basic kindness and generosity of most American people. Your thoughts on the blog would be very useful.
I am forwarding you this story about Pastor Jason Norton. He is a Police Sgt. And Pastor’s the King’s Trail Cowboy Church in Van Alstyne, Texas. He is doing without food and Christmas in the hopes that it will inspire others to give to those less fortunate. They have already helped over 50 families. He has been camping out since midnight on the 1st of December and he will stay there to midnight on the 26th Dec. His fast and dedication to feeding the hungry and getting Christmas gifts for those who not get any is amazing. It does wonders for the Cowboy Culture and Glory and Honor to God. Check out the channel 11 news story on him. Maybe you have a way to spread the news and request prayers for him and God’s Glory.
http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=49356@ktvt.dayport.com
Your Brother in Christ,
Randy (Poppa) Norton
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