Don’t stop. St. Joseph’s Family Center, thankfully, has enough
turkeys for the Lord’s Table dinner where famed local chef Val
Filice and his dedicated crew serve the needy a true feast. And the
Salvation Army and St. Joseph’s are handing out food baskets
stuffed with generous donations for those in difficult
circumstances this holiday season.
Don’t stop. St. Joseph’s Family Center, thankfully, has enough turkeys for the Lord’s Table dinner where famed local chef Val Filice and his dedicated crew serve the needy a true feast. And the Salvation Army and St. Joseph’s are handing out food baskets stuffed with generous donations for those in difficult circumstances this holiday season.
But Christmas is around the corner – and there is need all year round. So, if you were a bit tardy in sending over a donation, don’t fret. Just put it on your shopping list and don’t forget to make the effort.
Pick up an extra turkey at the store and some canned fruit or vegetables. Take it to St. Joseph’s, 7950 Church St., or the Salvation Army, Fifth and Church streets. Or, if it’s a hectic holiday season at home and at work, just write a check. That way, St. Joseph’s or the Salvation Army can shop for what’s really needed and fill in the gaps for the poor and hungry.
Those cash donations help families in dire straits pay utility bills, cover the rent or provide nourishment for a baby. Every donation counts. The pangs and pressure associated with hunger are sharp and unrelenting for many.
Besides holiday food items, Saint Joseph’s can always use toys, volunteers and new or gently used books to give to children. Those alternate gifts will become more important as the Christmas season approaches.
There are so many opportunities to donate – the Realtors CanTree Drive, giving-ornament trees at your church of choice, warm coat drop-off locations and Toys for Tots – are all worthwhile efforts, and each will brighten the season not only for the recipient of your generosity, but for you as well.
It’s also an opportunity to teach the children about sharing and goodwill. Take them with you to pick out that extra turkey and stuffing for St. Joseph’s. Talk to them about doing a few extra chores to make enough money to buy a toy for a needy child. The lessons will stick with them for a long time and establish a pattern of generous behavior.
Each week during the season we will publish our annual “Giving List” which details numerous organizations which are seeking donations. Look for it, act on it. And enjoy this wonderful time of year when family and friends gather to share time, good cheer and well wishes for each other.
And remember the basic truth in the Biblical words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
