The Right Thing.

[Iowanian]

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".

[RedNFeisty]

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.

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

[C-Mac]

Originally Posted by RedNFeisty

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.

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/

[RedNFeisty]

Originally Posted by C-Mac

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!

[Chief Henry]

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.

[Iowanian]

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.

[plbrdude]

it truly is more blessed to give than receive.

[Iowanian]

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

[Bwana]

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.

[mike_b_284]

God bless you all, very impressive.

[SLAG]

Originally Posted by mike_b_284

God bless you all, very impressive.

YOU believe in God?

HA!

[chagrin]

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!!

[mike_b_284]

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.

[mike_b_284]

Originally Posted by SLAG02

YOU believe in God?

HA!

not really the point

[SLAG]

Originally Posted by mike_b_284

not really the point

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

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by Iowanian

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".

Iowanian You are a great American!!!