Here we are, mid-December. A time known to many as “The
Twelve Days of Christmas.” But as I’ve had pointed out to me, the 12 Days of
Christmas actually begins on December 25th and continues through
January 6th, Epiphany. Never one to let the calendar hold me back
(that and a packed travel schedule) I began my annual tradition of the 12 Days
of Giving back in November with a discovery I made in New York City.
It is my practice to seek out places of worship in every destination I travel to and during my last trip to the Big Apple I happened upon Holy Trinity, holytrinitynyc.org and learned about their many outreach programs. One in particular, Lunch with Friends resonated with me and it was tremendously rewarding to donate a few holiday pies for this inclusive and welcoming endeavor, especially around this festive season.
Work has me spending time searching out opportunities in new destinations and one in particular that I’m getting acquainted with is San Juan, Puerto Rico. This beautiful island, still recovering in many areas from the tragic effects of Hurricane Maria has wowed me. One of the many reasons why – organizations like Union Church, unionchurchsj.org. They host the Original Christmas Bazaar and Music Festival, one of the largest bazaars of its kind in all of San Juan. They were happy to receive a few hundred cuties from the Beanie Baby collection to sell at the event. Funds raised at the bazaar are donated to organizations working with the homeless population in addition to supporting the ongoing operational needs of the church.
Thus far, back home in Minneapolis I’ve enjoyed visiting groups like One Heartland, oneheartland.org, the Masonic Children’s Hospital, mhealthfairview.org, and Essentia Health, essentiahealth.org with donations ranging from toys and stuffed animals to power tools. All are wonderful organizations that have important missions and purposes. It is definitely worth clicking on the links to their websites and checking out the great work they do.
While goods and financial contributions are always
appreciated, there are other ways to donate that are equally meaningful. If this time of year has a habit of draining one’s
bank accounts, consider giving the gift of time. A few hours of volunteerism
can make a huge difference. With so many noble organizations out there, it is
easy to find a way to volunteer that suits your schedule and your passion. A
few suggestions, courtesy of an email blast from US Bank;
- The gift of freedom: Send care packages to military personnel overseas. The USO, for example, takes donations that help provide technology resources for troops to connect with their families back home.
- Home for the holidays: Participate in a Habitat for Humanity project. Habitat helps families in need build strength, stability and self-reliance while building their own home alongside volunteers.
- Show kids how to shop smart: Teach basic financial education to youth at local schools through Junior Achievement. You don’t need to be an expert to sign up and you may even learn a thing or two yourself.
No matter how you give this holiday season, or when –
during the 12 days, before it, or like me, all throughout, I encourage everyone
to find something that resonates within themselves and get involved! Remember,
its often times the littlest things that can make the biggest difference…
Happy Holidays, David.
