Christmas is nearly over and many of us are looking forward to the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010.  The economy has begun a new sense of frugality.  People are giving and treasuring gifts made by hand as people spend less and less in the stores.  This past year, I’ve heard many complain about the economy or how little they have or what sacrifices they’ve made.  

But still, I know there are people who have encountered worse situations.  Loss of a loved one, a job, or a home.  Many people give at Thanksgiving or during the Winter holidays because of family tradition.  But, what happens to the needy when the holidays are over?  They don’t disappear; they often need our help more than usual.

It’s a little known fact that I was homeless at one time in the mid to late 1990s.  It was more situational and because of the deeds of my friends, I was able to stay at their places for short periods of time until I was able to rent an apartment again.  Even after apartment living, there was a time I also needed to utilize food shelves, so that I could make ends meet.

Currently, I am blessed with a home, a career, and a family.  In turn, to show my appreciation of my good fortune, I have several charities I choose to donate to.  My donations tend to be locally-based and focus on food shelves (Second Harvest), shelters, and children’s charities.  Looking forward to the new year, I ask my readers to look ahead and help those less fortunate.  Even though we may be struggling through our own troubles, there will always be people who need our assistance locally and abroad.  Even with the lack of funds, helping out an elderly or disabled neighbor with chores is a great way of giving back.

In the new year, I will be posting recipes and food hints for the readers.  I hope you can help out your neighbors and community with any way you can whether volunteering, fundraising, or making a donation.  I wish you all a prosperous New Year.  Thank you.

Tags: community service, donations, giving back