There is no doubt about it, times are tough.
Between businesses struggling to earn their keep and families striving to stretch a dollar, the economic situation isn’t ideal for most.
So when it comes to the season of giving, many are finding it harder to get in the giving spirit.
Maybe you’ve slipped fewer coins into the Salvation Army’s Kettle campaign, or had to cut out your annual charitable contribution altogether?
It’s understandable. Unfortunately, the impact is being felt by those who have it the hardest.
Those who are not only struggling to fill Sally’s stocking, but are struggling to fill Sally’s dinner plate.
Over at the Upper Room Mission, donations to the annual backpack campaign are coming in at an alarmingly slow rate.
With just 11 days until Christmas, the Mission is expecting to hand out 150 to 220 backpacks, yet only 27 have been donated.
The unfortunate situation at the Mission is likely occurring at a number of other organizations – all hoping to benefit from the season of giving, only to find that the donation bank is already depleted.
So this holiday season, count your blessings, not your bills.
Share your own fortune with the less fortunate.
Instead of giving mounds of gifts to those who already have an abundance, give your time to them.
And share what you have with those who have not.
Even better yet, make a donation in the name of a gift recipient, to a cause special to them.
—The Morning Star
