Giving

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”  I think of this Anne Frank quote often.  It’s almost time to sit around the Thanksgiving table and share what we’re thankful for.  We literally “give thanks” during Thanksgiving by acknowledging what we’re grateful for.  This Thanksgiving, however, I want to take a different look at the “giving” part of the word.  If you’re lucky enough to have things to be grateful for, it shouldn’t stop there.

Are you an animal lover?  Humane Societies everywhere desperately need donations.  If you don’t have anything to give monetarily, you can still volunteer.  Dog walkers are always needed, or you can volunteer to socialize and spend time with the other animals.

Do you have a friend who lives far from their family?  Invite them to your celebration.  Maybe someone you know has a hard time during the holiday season due to the loss of a loved one.  Invite them to an unrelated hang-out to get their mind off of things.

Are your closets overflowing with last season’s sweaters or coats?  Someone could use those, and it wouldn’t cost you a thing.

Schools, gyms, churches, and community centers often have toy and food drop off spots this time of year.  Grab one extra item during your weekly grocery shop.  You probably won’t notice the difference in your bill, but the recipient will notice the act of kindness.

It’s easy to shrug off opportunities to give because “someone else will do it.”  They won’t.  Be the reason donations bins are overflowing, kind messages are being sent, and people are being considered.  The best way to show your gratitude is to pay it forward.