by Elinka Boyle Rosenbaum
‘Tis the season for not only giving thanks but for plain old-fashioned giving. For most, the holidays conjure feelings of generosity, charity and abundance. There is the traditional exchanging of gifts, feasts for family and friends and holiday gatherings. Not everyone is able to give the same amount or in the same manner, but that shouldn’t discourage people from giving.
There is a wonderful saying, “Generosity is not defined by how much one gives but by how much one has left after he gives.”
No matter one’s financial status, one can still give because the act of giving is a state of mind, not of a bank account. One may donate children’s outgrown clothing, help at a local soup kitchen, buy a few extra cans of non-perishable food items for a food pantry, or cook for families at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. Through giving, a person may find that he/she makes memorable experiences, meets wonderful people, provides children with incredible perspective and basically feels really good.
No matter what one’s abilities or interests, there is always a way to give.
Here are some suggestions:
If you are of the very fortunate and money is of no consequence, then give and give some more. Pick one of the many charities that might interest you. Donate to stop world hunger, find a cure or save animals. Give to the environment, education or a community service. Make a donation in a loved one’s name. There are international organizations and local ones—many worthy ones right here on Long Island.
If you are like most and need to adhere to a budget, then give a smaller amount or consider donating your time and energy instead. A few canned goods or some pasta that’s on sale would be greatly appreciated by a local food pantry. Or perhaps an afternoon at a soup kitchen instead of at the gym. Skip a week’s worth of expensive coffee or forgo getting your nails done and donate the equivalent savings instead.
If you have the time but not the means, think about what you already do and include it in your holiday giving. For instance, if you knit or crochet, think about making blankets or caps for a children’s hospital. If you are able bodied, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. If you clean and organize your home, drop off your no-longer-wanted gently used items at your local church, drop box or collection site. When you are ordering the family new winter coats, set aside last year’s coats and donate them to a warm coat drive. Some organizations will even come to you to pick up your donations!
If your calendar tends to fill up quickly this time of year, consider having a gathering with friends that also provides a way to give. For instance, ask your bowling team to host a dinner for the families at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, or see if your book club would like to spend time reading at a nearby nursing home or writing letters for those that can’t. Instead of heading to a bar with friends, make a date together and attend a fundraiser. Host a holiday cocktail party where your guests contribute a small amount to attend and the proceeds go to a charity they get to vote for during the event. You can enjoy the holidays and give at the same time.
And although the holiday season may inspire you to give, don’t stop after the holiday season passes. Try to incorporate giving into the rest of the year. In fact, many organizations ask that you consider giving outside of the peak holiday times because that is when resources become low and they are most in need.
Finally, enlist the little ones and your friends and family. It’s never too early nor too late to encourage others to show compassion. Ask your child’s school PTA or your place of work to host a drive for food, used cell phones, or even used eye glasses. You will be surprised at how much can be achieved, plus children will take immense pride in their own contributions. Many organizations have kits or will help you every step of the way in running your fundraiser or drive.
Looking back, you’ll find that giving didn’t take much effort at all and may have made a big impact with someone that really needed the extra hand.
The act of giving is truly a gift. It connects you to the people and world around you. It opens your heart.
Some wonderful organizations to consider on Long Island are:
The Ronald McDonald House—rmhLongIsland.org
Long Island Cares – the Harry Chapin Food Bank—liCares.org
The Bethany House—bhny.org
The Ty Louis Campbell Foundation—ThetlcFoundation.org
North Shore Animal League—AnimalLeague.org
The Nature Conservancy—Nature.org
Elinka Boyle Rosenbaum is a Long Beach resident, wife, mother, organic gardener, and now the newest staff writer for Natural Awakenings of Long Island.
