The holidays are always a busy time for us at work. Clients are trying to demonstrate their goodwill by donating to charities. Afterwards, they want us to write a press release about the philanthropic activities and distribute it to the media. Writing press releases from the charities perspectives are so much better and appeal more to the media than coming from corporations. We always suggest that they should collaborate with the charity on a press release. In addition, the charity has other mediums they can promote the goodwill—print and electronic newsletters, Twitter, Facebook, and other recognition means.
This time of year, however, makes me wonder what happens during the rest of the year. Charities are in great need of in-kind goods and services yearlong. We should do what we can at all times of the year to serve our communities or give a little extra to children, families, elderly, homeless or animals in need or other causes close to our hearts. The holidays present an opportunity for so many charities to encourage individuals and corporations to lend a hand up by fulfilling wish lists.
I get the opportunity to learn more about each charity the clients are involved in and my personal choice is a foster care charity that creates safe places for vulnerable children and families living in Los Angeles County. Did you know, Grace, that there are more than 500,000 children in foster care nationwide? In Los Angeles County alone, we have more than 33,000 children receiving child welfare services.
The numbers are astounding and I think how fortunate we are to have been raised in loving and stable homes. I want to teach my children to give to others and be grateful for what we have. I’m getting them to give early and not just during the holidays. I hope others will get their children involved. I also hope they continue to think about the needs these charities have yearlong and give throughout the year.
Guiding Lesson: Eve, I also have wondered how to instill a sense of giving in people throughout the year. The human spirit is so generous and compassionate in time of need. What happens during the year that causes it to go into hibernation? Do the poor, the needy, the orphans, the foster care children, etc., do they have less of a need during the year? Do they go into hibernation waiting for the holidays? Are they one of the few that are grateful for a disaster because at least they now are part of a bigger group of people in need and get aid that they normally would not have received?
I’ve observed those around you and wondered what prevents the need to go unnoticed, the silent cries of the poor to go unheard and the hunger pains to be ignored. If humanity believes that they are one, then the cries of one will echo in every soul around the world. So it is the joy one feels from a generous heart that will also be felt and echoed in every soul around the world. There seems to be a lot of busyness and multi-tasking. There are lists and schedules that need to be attended to. There are bills, paperwork, housework that needs to be done. People’s priorities have had to shift because of the socio-economic environment. Living the values that people so long to live have needed to be shelved so that they can get through the day.
It makes sense that the holidays bring out the generous spirit. It is during this time that the priorities of God, family, food and friends become number one again. These are times that people realize how they have been blessed with so much and want to give. Now I understand what people mean about the rat race. It diminishes the quality of ones life (those putting aside their values/priorities) that in turn diminishes the quality of another (the needy, the orphans, the foster care children, etc.).
However, I commend the work you are doing with your children. Trying to solve something so big on a global level can be daunting. However, the power parents have to show their children the example of a generous spirit is the beginning of planting the seeds for a better future. It truly does begin with a heart of gratitude. No matter what amount you give, it is that specific amount that someone needed. Continue to spread your charitable and kind spirit. It is infectious and I hope everyone around you catches the spirit.
Grace
MissGuidedMom 