The Right Thing.
 

Its occured to me, that often this time of year, we, as individuals and families are wrapped up in things like football games, playoff hopes, hanging plastic on our windows, Christmas shopping and any plethora of Things in our daily grind. Most of them, are of little significance in the big picture.

I'm not exactly sure why I'm compelled to make this post, but I am.

This winter, as the temperature drops below zero outside my home, and as I celebrate a win over the hated Donkeys, some dose of reality is sinking in that needs to be said.

This Christmas season, there are alot of things we can do, as individuals just because they are "the right thing" to do.

This year I encourage those of you who can to find someone they can help. There are alot of kids without proper coats, shoes and clothes in poor condition. I wish I could direct you to specific places, but can't right now. If you have the time, the finances and the same kick in the craw that I do, please contact your local school, or a charity program, or a food bank, and see what you can do to help get a kid in a proper pair of shoes, a warm enough coat, and maybe some toys for Christmas.
I know that many churches, school nurses/administrators, as well as local govt programs will be able to give lists "boy, age 12, size 9 shoe, likes football" type lists.

For those without the financial availability to help someone in that capacity....there are Still alot of things you can do. Scoop the snow off the walk for that old widow across the street, take the son of a deployed, wounded or KIA soldier to the Y to play some ball...do something.

Another option, I'm going to quote from the Michael Yon website, because I think its very true, and something you, and your children can do for less than $.50. Write a letter, have your kid draw a picture...whatever. I know, that during the holidays, many of our deployed men and women are having a tough time.

"More than 150,000 troops are at war in Iraq, Afghanistan and stationed other places by land and sea. It's time to remember them, and at least send a letter. Care packages are great, but simple letters can be powerful. The Department of Defense has sorted through endless websites and charities, and does an excellent job organizing links to sites that allow people to help the troops. With a single click, people can donate books to troops, or computers, or frequent flier miles, or they can help wounded veterans or grieving families, or Iraqi children. There are so many options. http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/ "

As an individual, we can all make someone's holiday brighter with very little effort. As a Group of Chief fans, think of the combined good we can do, but each doing one small gesture, that is "the right thing".

Who hacked Iowanian's account?

Guilt.

:clap:

Nice. Bravo. :clap: :clap: :clap:








Is this kinder and gentler Iowanian gonna last long? :hmmm:






Heh..."Incoming!!!"

Excellent.

Nice.

Well said!! It's easy to get wrapped up in things that seem important, at the time (i.e. football, shopping). There is so much more however. With the weather getting colder, there was a story on our local news last night about homeless shelters, and the fact that there are more places for women to take shelter, than places for men. I don't mean for anyone to "take in" these less fotunate people, but if you can afford it, donate to these shelters. A warm meal and a soft bed, which we take for granted, are hard to come by for some. Let's not forget to drop a little spare change in the "bell ringers" pot also.

Happy Holidays.

I think this deserves a 'sticky'...

Very timely
 

My wife and I sat this weekend to go over the X-Mas list of who "needs" what. We got half way through this thing and we just shook our heads. Theoretically, we'd spent a bunch of money on people that are going to love us whether they get a gift from us or not. Most of all, they really didn't "need" any of the crap we were going to be buying for them. In the mean time, my kids (7 & 4) are no closer to knowing what X-Mas should really be about.

We decided that we're going to focus on "giving" our time and money to folks that can really use the help and the cash. I can assure you that I feel infinitely better after I have helped someone with my time or money, vs. watching that gratuitous smile or thank you of a family member that just got another gift certificate to Captain D's. So, my youngest son and I are fixing up his old bike and will be donating that to a X-Mas fund for orphans. My oldest son and his Mother are going through old toys this week and will be fixing them up and dusting them off so we can take them to our Church for families that don't have the cash to buy gifts for their kids. We're also planning to spend some time preparing X-Mas meals for the homeless and having our kids with us to help hand them out.

I want my kids to understand how lucky they really are. I also want them to understand that X-Mas is as much about giving as it is receiving. Thanks for posting this, Roy. It really enforces how we're planning to utilize the Holiday's.

Cheers!

FWIW, I agree this deserves a "sticky"....

Great post Iowanian... I always try to find one of those salvation army christmas trees that you take an ornament from and shop for the child listed on the ornament.

Also, the US Marines do a great job with Toys for Tots and take it very seriously, so that is definitly a charity that is reliable and will be carried out as intended.

Great post with great timing.

I'm not really sure what "hit me"...but it did. I've been thinking about this stuff all weekend. Matter of fact, in my weakened state, I won a wager on donkeymange where a poster had to leave until Feb, and showed mercy.

Maybe its just this weekend, as I spent so many hours walking around in near zero temps, and had 3 pairs of boots to choose from, or last night sitting in the comfort of my home with the new furnace installed yesterday, or the emails I've gotten from iraq that shake my shit into reality of whats important...I don't know.

I don't know alot of things, but I know when I help someone out who needs it, or appreciates it, it feels good. I've been that kid with the duct taped shoe, when my dad worked 3 jobs to keep our farm floating, and know how hard he had to work to get anything under that tree. I remember the hard work to get to where we all are today, and its only right to share some of it. I've read the letters and emails from soldiers, stuck sludging through raw sewage for hours upon hours while I was stuffing my gullet with Pie.

I don't like talking about "my" charity stuff because it feels like I'm bragging or wanting a pat, which isn't the case.

I just know, there are kids at school today, embarrassed by the same shoes that froze their feet when they walked there. I know there are kids in every town without a coat that fits, or that is clean or new enough to let them hold their head up enough to look other kids in the eye. I know there are local food banks that are suffering because they're overshadowed by the Katrina et al relief efforts.

I know that if I can find 1 family through a church or school, or pull that tag off the "gift tree" at a local store, and spend less money than I'd spend on parking, food and beer at 1 Chiefs game....it'll make their day.....week.

Those who can't financially do anything, can still do something. It doesn't take much to write a letter to a soldier from your town/church/city/son of a coworker.....or have yoru kid draw them a snowman. It doesn't take much to spend an extra 20 minutes digging out someone who can't.

I do know this....its worth it. Last week, as i went to a local store to buy some slugs for the hunt I was getting ready to do, A 6'4 guy I didn't recognize called my name. I looked at him, and he said "you don't know me do you? I'm ___ -______, and you were my "big brother" through the Y a few years ago. Thanks for that"

Damn he grew and changed..both physically, and as a person. Good young man.

Little things. Playing catch with that kid once a week just might have been the thing that keeps him from turning into his father. Maybe a pair of shoes, coat and a board game can help do the same for another.?

You've got a child now. It changes everything, especially how you feel about the Holiday's.

Well after I picked myself off of the floor after reading your post......all I can say is......:thumb:



Every mall in the world has an angle tree this time of year, just pluck an angel off of the tree and buy whats on the list.....dear abby has an address in her column daily to send cards or whatever you want to our boys and girls overseas...call any school you want and they have a list of needy kids you can adopt for the holiday....if you want to help older people, call a nursing home and they will give you a person that has no family that you could buy for.....they are always needing items....



Merry Christmas to eveyone and god bless you all

Good show, mr Iowanian... great idea, it truly is the Right thing to do, to help others.

This year, on Black Friday, we took 7 bags of warm clothes to the Salvation Army... we intend to do this each year, as sort of a counter balance to the most materialistic day of the year, and do a bit of giving.

My 4 year old really got enjoyment from giving some of his stuff... you can see where it might have an effect on him later in life.

Most importantly, this Christmas season... love yourself. Because you can't love anyone else, until you learn to love yourself. Sappy, but true. And by giving, and helping you learn to love a little bit more.

Ali do you still want those CR bags.......I have been collecting for you for over a year now.....

Good post, Iowanian.

My wife and I try to help all we can every year. The company I work for sponsors children's "Operation Santa Claus" type thing. We always pick two children even though she doesn't work here. Her company also sponsors a needy family at Christmas, furnishing clothes, toys and other needed items for someone who can't help themselves.

If you will, allow me to plug a very worthwhile event:

If anyone is interested, there is a dart tournament at Premier Bowling Center in Raytown, the 12th Annual Woody Dart Tournament, benefitting Toys For Tots. A donation of a toy gets you a set of the old wooden darts that you can use throughout the day. There are blind draw, doubles and singles dart tournaments going all day long as well as a charity auction in the evening. It's a great time and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys playing darts. Entry to each tournament is an additional fee. Cash will be paid back to the top finishers in each event.

More details can be found at www.ramdarts.org

http://www.dartboards.com/images/pro...ured/WX002.jpg

Inspiring posts. Thanks for sharing and encouraging us.

I don't have time for this, I'm trying to get a shed built!

just kidding. great thread Iowanian. If we all do a little, it will make a big difference.

Maybe my goodwill project for the Christmas season will be to encourage my neighbor to get his proper building permit, by turning him in...

Coal in your stalking.

Precisely my point...If we all throw 1 bale of hay on this wagon, it'll fill up quickly without overworking any one of us.

My wife and I are involved in several real goodwill projects. My BS goodwill project is pulling permits for my building so my neighbor will have a happy holiday.

I'm waaaay ahead of you, Iowa-dude...

:clap:

Great post :clap:

I was talking at work a couple of days ago of something my wife likes to do during the holiday season. Every once in a while on her way to work she will stop and get a breakfast sandwhich and coffee at a fast food place. When she pulls up to pay she ask how much is the person's order in the car behind me? And then she pays for their order and tells the person working the window to tell them Merry Christmas and breakfast is on me :)

One of the girls I work with said, but why would you do that? I said you don't get it do you? it's about GIVING!

Nice job Iowanian, or whoever you are.

My wife and I have decied to sponsor a child in Africa through World Vision. Its only 35 bucks a month.

Thanks for the great thread.

i'm a bartender in a resturaunt, and don't make a lot. i have to work hard to earn enough extra money to do things like this. that having been said, i have no problem picking up a couple extra shifts to do it. for the past three years, i have begged my family to not exchange gifts, but instead, spoil my nephew, and adopt a family. i have everything i need, and although i appriciate the thought, and money spent on gifts bought for me, i would rather see a family from new orleans, have smile on their face. my family refuses the idea, and instead, i'm stuck worried if i'm spending enough, on them. so i am doing my part, i'm donating to the bell ringers at walmart. actually, the guy that got me started on this plays a sax, anyone heard him? he's in the kc area i saw him at the blue springs walmart. christmas carols have never sounded so sweet. i stopped to help someone who got stuck in the snow, and got stuck myself. instead of being upset, i laughed, put it in 4 low, and drove out of the ditch. thank god i don't drive a trans am, like the guy i helped. anyways, happy holidays, go chiefs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's very cool. While people going through the drive-thru probably aren't the most needy, it sends the right message.

Bob Dole pledges that on every drive-thru trip between now and 12/25, he will buy the meal of the person(s) next in line and deliver the message, "Merry Christmas--pass it on!"

I've been doing that for 24 years now. The woman who lived across the street from me has a degenerative spine condition that has been slowly fusing her spine together. She could barely, and I mean BARELY walk. She would fall all the time. Sometimes she would lay on the floor all night until one of us neighbors went to check on her. Thank God we did that every day.

I always shoveled her walk when it snowed and I always mowed her grass for her. When her adult children came to pay her a visit, they never lifted a finger to help her. Here I would be, hanging precariously from a ladder, cleaning out the poor woman's gutters and they would just look at me like I was insane and drive off.

I moved away from there after 24 years in Sept of 2004. To this day, I still drop by and see if she needs me to do anything for her. We always have the same conversation and goes a little something like this.

"Joyce, do you need me to clean out your gutters, pick up around the yard or anything else for that matter?"

"No, no, no! You do enough for me and you never let me pay you!"

"Honey, that's what neighbors are for. I don't mind. If I did, I would have never asked you about doing any of this all those years ago."

"No, no, no. I'm fine. I'm sure after you've worked all day you have better things to do that look after this old woman. I'm fine."

"Sweety, I can see leaves and twigs hanging from your gutter. I'm going to use your ladder and clean them out real quick and then I promise I'll get out of you hair."

"You let me pay you this time!"

"My fee hasn't changed and you and I both know you can't run me down and stuff money in my pocket. (said with a grin)"

"You know, I've told you this a (and yes she uses this word) umptyjillion times, but one day, God will reward you for this. I can't believe you do these things for me."

"I'm not here to impress God. If God is impressed, that's fine, but it's not why I do it. I'm here to look after you and make sure you're OK. Now, you go back in the house and I'll check on you when I'm finished."

"Well .... OK ... but I still wish you'd let me pay you." ROFL

Her and that pay me thing just cracks me up.

Anyway, the point is this. Try and do things like this all the time. Sure, the holiday season reminds us to be a little nicer to one another, a bit more kind and to get in that spirit of giving. However, we really don't need an excuse like the Holiday season to be good to one another. It's something we should practice often, year round. I'm not suggesting you make it a daily habit but I do encourage you to make a concerted effort to do something nice for at least one person, once a week.

It doesn't have to be much. It doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. It doesn't have to involve back breaking labor. Just do the little things if need be. Last week, some guy I didn't know from Adam didn't have change for the pop machine at work so he and his wife could enjoy a soda. I just reached into my pocket, produced a handful of change and said, "Help yourself." The guy had a priceless look on his face, like he'd just been asked the hardest question in the world and had no answer. It may have also been the fact that a white guy like me was offering up money to a black guy he'd never met. Either way, the look I got was gold and along with a, "Thank You." he tossed in a, "God Bless You, My Brother." as well.

So come on boys and girls. Let's all pitch in and help out our fellow man. What goes around, comes around.

Yes those in need of help, need help the other 11 months also.

Thank you for this post....I have been under mucho stress wondering how I could afford to buy what most take back or don't need. I've done this yearly, however this year might be the time to change and tell the family let's do this for others that can't afford anything instead of us doing for what no one needs...

If everybody who had a cat could find it in their hearts to make the ultimate sacrifice this Christmas season, nobody would go hungry.

at my work we got adopt a families ill be biuying some toys for a kid that he had listed, kinda cool.

help can someone tell me how to write a new thread

I believe you need another 94 posts to unlock that ability.

- 4th
~ Good deed for the day. Mission accomplished. ~

Great post Iowanian!!!

I've always found that the most enjoyable Holiday seasons for me is when I am giving more than receiving.....

When my wife and I were first married, we would volunteer to work on Christmas day filling in for people who would normally have to work so that they could spend Christmas Day with their families.....

Until our kids were born there wasn't a Thanksgiving or Christmas that we didn't spend some part of the day, serving food at either a homeless shelter or battered womens center.....

One year we volunteered to assist at the local Ronald McDonald House serving the families staying there....

Every place I have worked since 1998 we have always adopted a family at Christmas time...but like others have indicated, "need has no season", so we have expanded it to include the whole school year.

It's been my good fortune to realize that for every 1 deed I have done, somehow I have gotten repaid 10 times over...with the smile on a child's face, the heartfelt "thank you" from one who can no longer do for themselves, or just the look in the eye of a greatful friend.

There have been many good ideas on this thread...some that I intend to start practicing myself.

And finally, may I say a very heartfelt "thank you" to all my friends here who said a kind thought, whispered a prayer, or sent their best to my family over the last couple of months. It has meant more than you know.

mmaddog
*******

Damm Iowian-I wouldn't have believed my own eyes-you have a heart of gold. Did the ghost of X-mas past scare you or something.

Great post-it makes me want to kick your ass a little less-lol

Merry Christmas to ya!

Iowanian....this is SOOOOOO out-of-character, for you. But, I like it. Thanks for the reminder. :)

We have a gentleman where I work who attends church with a 90 year old "lil' ol' lady". She can't get out much, but he says that she has a heart of gold. For Thanksgiving, he gave me $20 from her and told me to give it to someone who wouldn't have much of a Thanksgiving. I gave it to a lady whose husband passed away last year, and she is supporting her daughter and her grandson. She was so appreciative. I wish that lil' ol' lady could have been the one receiving the hug!

For Christmas, he gave me $40 to give to someone. There is a girl who has no family in town, is very introverted, and has very little. Once again, hugs.

That lil' ol' lady definitely touched my heart by letting me be in the line of messengers helping someone out. A true inspiration helping people she doesn't know and will never meet.

You have inspired me to go beyond what I normally do this time of year; to be apart of a greater whole, and will find a way somehow to do just that. Great thread! :thumb:

Another selfless act. :p :D

Actually, it's not.

My son is in the Cub Scouts and I volunteer as a leader in the Pack. Each year our Cub Scout Pack does a food drive during the month of November and we always do a community service project for our December Pack activity. Last year we went to Harvesters and worked in the warehouse and will be doing the same again this weekend. For our December Pack meeting instead of doing a gift exchange for the boys this year we encouraged everyone to donate a toy for Toys For Tots. After informing my son what "TFT" was and what they did, he was pretty excited about taking a toy for a donation. Hopefully the boys will learn that doing little things like this to help out someone that may not be quite as fortunate as they are is worth the small amount of effort that it takes and that they will want to continue doing similar acts of kindness as they grow into young men and eventually raise families of their own.

As a father and a scout leader I try to remember that the most important thing that I can impart on these boys is that honor and duty aren't just words in a book that someone made up and put together in a sentence because they sound neat. But honor and duty as well as respect and responsibility actually mean something and that they are ideas or concepts to try and live their lives by.

I donate every year to Veterans (VFW and on)causes and have already done so this year. I am passing this link along to my coworkers here.

God Bless 'em!
Happy Holiday season Iowanian

Instead of giving money to a church every week, I donate various things through out the year and do not take a tax deduction.

Each year I clean out the little guys toy boxes and donate to the Wichita Children's Home, the toys are used but still in new condition. Plus we donate coats and clothes for the winter. This year we are also selecting a few names from the Tree of Angles at the mall.

I liked the notion of paying for the persons meal behind me in drive through...perhaps a nice gesture can spread through various avenues before stopping.

:clap: For all who open their hearts and pocket books to those who are in need!!

Below is a more than great venue for getting rid of things that may have value but you no longer need and are willing to give away...or if your in need of something.
http://www.freecycle.org/

Thanks, I will certainly check it out!

Iowanians gettin all warm and fuzzy inside.
Thats a good thing.

Our "Operation Santa" has less needy families this year than the last several years. I just heard the report on our local radio station. The ladies talking about it seem surprised.

My wife loves picking out a kids name off the tree
and shopping for them. She gets a bunch a stuff for the kids.

I appreciate what I've seen happen so far in this thread. Now, if we, and some of the lurkers will follow through.

I saw mention of doing things not only during the Christmas season. Thats absolutely true. I was taught long ago to help others in need. If you're able, make an effort to stop and help someone change a flat tire, give them a ride from an accident(which I did 2hrs ago)....I never accept money for those things.

year round, there are many charities that ask for help....at work, I jokingly call it "the charity tax" because we get hit all the time, for most all the local service organizations....One collects old Eye glasses, one does hearing screenings, one collects coats.....most want money, and there is always the 37forever foundation. Any Monetary wager I win online, always goes to that, though I leave it to the honor system.

It turns out "you internet people" just might not all be introverted, arseholes.

Good stuff. I'm always looking for a new idea.

it truly is more blessed to give than receive.

I've been telling women that since I was....for years.

Great post. I try to do a lot of those things on the list every year myself. I even knock the snow off the old boys driveway next door when it snows and he's a donks fan. :)

God bless you all, very impressive.

YOU believe in God?

HA!





:p

If I could just mention one more thing...

Back in 2003, when I was losing my home and was moving out and into my car, I received food from a local charity center and I know they got money for that from donations. They were not a state, city or county run facility. Money or food donated to places like this help so very much. Even a dollar in the Salvation Army bucket will buy a load of oatmeal or other stuff to folks who need it.

I am so extremely grateful for the services I received when I needed it most. I am doing well now and give all year to all sorts of different organizations.

I love reading all this from you dudes, and gals too!!

If anyone needs people to help
 

call 98.9 the rock (913) 576-7989 between 9:00 and 9:30 am. Every morning they have people who need help on the air. From new shoes to medical costs to rebuilding homes. Anything you can contribute is gladly accepted.

not really the point

I know but since this is the Giving Season I figure I give you some Sh*t

:)

Iowanian You are a great American!!!

I brought the nurses a few dozen Lamar's donuts for breakfast this morning. Good deed of the day accomplished again.

$#it like this pisses me off to no end.

There is absolutely no ****ing excuse why this site HAS to exist.

Our soldiers should not have to raise money to come home. If they do, those of us here in the states are not doing OUR duty...

Understood.

My anger is in the fact that there has to be one. The least we (or our government) could do is fly these guys and gals home. Seriously...

There's a family here on the island that each year I take a turkey I get from one of the contractors or home owners I deal with or do work for, along with a 10lb bag of spud’s, carrots etc (everything for x-mass dinner) along with a 12 pack of beer and drop it off to them Christmass eve morning.

bingo. My thoughts exactly.

<3 <3 <3 <3

Special kiss for you Delt.

?

Uh....kay.

Anyway, my point was that I'm ashamed that our government doesn't take care of our military.

Nothing short of a ****ing crime...

Don't care.

We're talking about people 10 years younger than me who will fight and/or die to protect my right to be an asshole.

1/2 the country is going to disagree with anything they do.

At best, these guys and gals get spit on.

Worst, they lose a limb or die.

And our government can't ****ing afford to fly them back for Christmas?...

No those were hearts, dammit.

Anyways. Yay lbeh.

I don't intend to let this topic get stale yet.

I've made some local phone calls. What I'm finding, is if you call the counselor of a local elementary school, they have a mental list, off the top of their head(not that they'll share or that I ask) of kids in need, who are slipping through the cracks....not completely on the system, but in need.

This time of year in the midwest, I'm told there is a big need for shoes, boots and coats, but mostly....snow pants.

You can buy a gift card from your local chain store, and the counselor can take the children and their parents to the store and fit them for the needed items, and take the remaining funds on the card back to the school for use with another kid(s).

thought i'd share this. past couple of years the county has had a toy fund which collects donations for area families. families that applied received a $25 voucher for dollar general, who also knocks an additional 30% off prices. and a $25 food voucher at the local grocery. nice thing about it is people can pick, or let their kids pick out the toys at the dollar general. and pick the items themselves for a holiday meal.

That was very insightfull...i need to relax..finals are coming up, and im stressed as hell then theres buying everyone gifts. Talk about an empty wallet. I need a break

In 2003, I was alone in Kuwait during both Thanksgiving and Christmas and felt horrible. I was participating in a war I didn't believe in, was missing my family, and had broken off an engagement while I was away.

For three weeks, apathy ruled, until one day, I received a card (with a drawing) from a third grader in PA wishing support for us overseas. My mind flashed back to the first Gulf War, when my fourth grade class wrote these same letters...

Anyway, it was the best Christmas gift I have ever gotten, and if you have the ten minutes to write a card or send a letter, please take it.

You never know how much it means to the person who will receive it.

Thanks for sharing that story. Its an excellent example of how a low cost thing can do good.

One negative about doing things for people we don't know or can't see, is that you don't get to see how what you've done affects them.

Help in keeping the thread alive, another grand cut and paste by Red!!

Christmas Is a Time for Love and Fun

Christmas is a time for love and fun,
A time to reshape souls and roots and skies,
A time to give your heart to everyone
Freely, like a rich and lavish sun,
Like a burning star to those whose lonely sighs
Show need of such a time for love and fun.
For children first, whose pain is never done,
Whose bright white fire of anguish never dies,
It's time to give your heart to every one,
That not one angel fall, to hatred won
For lack of ears to listen to her cries,
Or arms to carry him towards love and fun,
Or friends to care what happens on the run
To adult life, where joy or sadness lies.
It's time to give your heart to everyone,
For God loves all, and turns His back on none,
Good or twisted, ignorant or wise.
Christmas is a time for love and fun,
A time to give your heart to everyone.

You've still got time to make a difference.

And so I shall.

I am currently on vacation but, I am going into work today and taking a huge BBQ spread for my department to feast upon. One of the gals I work with is living paycheck to paycheck. She is barely making it. When the feasting has concluded, I shall bestow upon her, all of the reamining food. There should be a ton leftover.

I just did something impulsive.

There's a very nice older lady I work with who has one of those lovely circulatory conditions that makes her hands turn blue (it's almost like watching a mood ring, circa 1975) and ache very badly when it gets cold. It's terribly painful. Her mother has the same condition. It was so bad for her she had to move to a warmer climate. Anyway ...

I just ran across the street to a local leather shop and bought her a pair of leather, rabbit fur lined gloves. That should help, me thinks.

I'm beginning to feel like Santa!
Time to go pick up the BBQ feast!
HO! HO! HO!

thats the spirit.

There are still plenty of things that can be done before Christmas....and after.