Well we could have a contest on who's life sucked the worst, but it serves no purpose.
It does stay with a person through the years. It's what makes us who we are.
I give money all through the year. A friend posts the most beautiful pictures on her facebook page. She does volunteer work with a shelter that helps pit bulls. Maybe 3 times a year I send her checks for $100 with the " to" left blank. She sends me messages on the company she wrote in the "to" section. It's usually the Pit Bull organization. I leave it up to her. It's my way of saying to her that her pictures remind me of how beautiful life is and the beauty all around us.
I do that with a few other people usually during the year. These people are all volunteers and know the best places to donate money and where it will be used best. I totally trust them.
Then at the end of the year (today I've been doing it) I send out checks to friends who work in their churches (been doing it for many years). I always leave the " TO" blank. Then I go back and print them out the canceled checks for the accountants.
I don't mind donating money but it must be to places where there are no CEO's that are highly paid. These places are all local.
I used to donate toys, etc to Salvation Army, etc. Then one day someone who worked in our local Salvation Army told me some of the employees helped themselves to some of the items.
I know it probably doesn't happen often but I'd rather keep the donations local and it's my way of thanking people who give their time to people who really need help.
When I lived with my sister and her 4 children there were times when we didn't have any food. I remember one Christmas the Salvation Army gave the children a few toys. I still have the pin I received. I keep it as a reminder.
I really believe people should give during the year to local organizations. There will always be people who give to the large organizations, good for them.
My late husband worked hard for the money we have. I want to honor his memory to know I am helping others in my community.
I also every now and then send flowers to a few friends who need cheering up. My best friend's mother is almost 90. She lives alone and her husband is in a nursing home. Every now and then I surprise her by sending her flowers.
I believe in sending flowers to the living. I don't believe in sending flowers to people who've died. I suggest other's might think of this.
If you know someone who's lonely this time of year, if you don't want to send flowers, take them to lunch, even if it's McDonalds.
It's nice for people to give money and toys but do it during the year, not at the end of the year when everyone else is doing it.
I'll go sit down now. I shouldn't have gone on and on. I probably shouldn't say what I do. I know there are a lot of wonderful people here on this forum.
I personally know @ECBG who does amazing things. And then there's @LoriLori who's a wonderful daughter. I know there are other's.
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