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".

[Iowanian]

I was raised that these things are year round, common courtesy also. As a citizen in the streets, who just spent a week in the city, I assure you it doesn't appear to be common happening.

There are many, who could use a reminder. someone could try this, and work his/her way up the Charity chain.

Originally Posted by luv

As for holding the door open for people and saying hi to people passing by, I do those things all year. Christmas isn't the only time of year you can be courteous.

[luv]

Originally Posted by Iowanian

I was raised that these things are year round, common courtesy also. As a citizen in the streets, who just spent a week in the city, I assure you it doesn't appear to be common happening.

There are many, who could use a reminder. someone could try this, and work his/her way up the Charity chain.

Actually, I lied. I'm too shy to say hi to strangers. I do try to smile though. And I always say hi if they say it first. I hope that counts.

[Calcountry]

I donate my surplus eggs to a food closet here.

[kregger]

Thanks for bumping this thread again. I am going to take my 7 yr old daughter out of school next Friday and work a soup kitchen that is run by a KC church.

[Iowanian]

What a great day, to turn your ambivalence and disdain of the Chiefs play, to turn that energy to the cause of good.

[Redrum_69]

Originally Posted by Iowanian

What a great day, to turn your ambivalence and disdain of the Chiefs play, to turn that energy to the cause of good.

How, when, where, why....did you all of a sudden grow a heart?

[Iowanian]

A long time before you started googling Mom Jokes.

[Demonpenz]

I thank you everyone. I just got a new pair of mittens and chiefs stalking cap from my mitten tree at work.

[Redrum_69]

Originally Posted by Demonpenz

I thank you everyone. I just got a new pair of mittens and chiefs stalking cap from my mitten tree at work.

Um, do you really mean "stalking" or "stocking"

[Iowanian]

All I want for Christmas is a Hipo-potta-muth....

Some Good deeds from CP must be done, to undo the pathetic judgement of one former member today.

[Simplex3]

Originally Posted by kcfanXIII

...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.

Simply tell them this year that next year you won't be giving gifts to anyone over X years old, and instead you will be giving that money to a charity. Tell them you would appreciate that they do the same with any gifts they would have purchased for you, or provide receipts so that you can return the gifts.

I've also heard of a family with no children that would "give" each other toys, but open the gifts a month or so early then take all the toys to a shelter and hand them out to the kids.

[Mosbonian]

I've always lived by the credo "need has no season" which is something I learned while volunteering with the Salvation Army.

I've stolen suggestions for kindness that have been posted here and at other boards for many years now.....paid for groceries for someone I knew who was struggling.....cleaned sidewalks for those less capable during the recent snowstorm....taken time to sit and listen to someone who just needed a friend to talk to....

But sometimes one of the best things you can do is to back away from the computer....shut it off and spend more quality time with your family. Nothing made me more forlorn that a recent "family night" of watching Christmas movies and eating popcorn. My daughter had curled up next to me on the sofa and was intently engrossed in the movie....or so I thought. It was only after a few minutes and feeling her dead weight getting heavier that I realized she had drifted off to sleep. It had been a long time since that had happened, and I realized I missed that. As I carried her up the stairs it made me a little sad to realize the "little girl" I used to carry in my arms, was now a "little lady" and much heavier to carry.

So....I guess what I am saying is that you will probably see less of me here (if that's possible).

mmaddog
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[Mosbonian]

And something else.....

As close as some of us are on the Planet, I have always wondered why we didn't "adopt a family". I know we all live in different places and already support many causes. But I wonder if we couldn't just pick one charity to support and ask for a volunteer to spearhead collecting donated funds and then delivering them to our designated charity.

mmaddog
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[boogblaster]

Great Thread.. getting in here a little late but hope anyone that can help some of the less fortunate will..it's always appreciated..having gifts given to myself as a youth was beyond words..having a little more now, my wife gives gifts to some of the needed children in our area..they'll always remember your kindness.......

[Iowanian]

I don't know if its been done for Christmas, but I'm pretty sure it has....a couple of years back, a regular member was struggling, and I know that members pitched in to help him give his kids a Christmas.

I know for sure the planet has pitched in and sent me great items that I sent to a unit in Iraq last year....several members gave and gave great stuff.

This time of year, I'm all about coats, hats, mittens and boots/shoes.....last week, at work I heard of 2 infants/toddler brought to a daycare with no coats....and it was below zero windchill.

If the planet found a local need for those items, I'd think a combined effort would do wonders.

If some trustworthy planeteer stepped forward, I'd be all for finding an elementary school in the KC area...pitching in as a group, having that person purchase gift cards to donate to the counselor/principal anonymously, or in the name of Chiefsplanet and in honor of Lamar Hunt......that counselor would select a family or two in their school and purchase coats et al for them. That would be a great thing......

Originally Posted by mmaddog

And something else.....

As close as some of us are on the Planet, I have always wondered why we didn't "adopt a family". I know we all live in different places and already support many causes. But I wonder if we couldn't just pick one charity to support and ask for a volunteer to spearhead collecting donated funds and then delivering them to our designated charity.

mmaddog
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