Joyful Week: Giving Of Yourself

It is the season of giving. What comes to mind is making lists on what to give to family and friends, making lists and shopping to find the perfect gift. Don't get me wrong, I love giving to the special people in my life. Although there is so much more we can give whether it  be our time, a monetary gift, or with gifts and talents. If you have kiddos, it is always great to get them involved in giving and instilling what a servant's heart is.

 If you feel led to give of yourself this holiday season, here are some ways to do so. This is in no way to make you feel pressured to give, just give what you can and what you feel led to give. Anything will be a blessing to someone!

(All mentioned organizations are linked for more information.)

Giving Locally
Every community has it's needs. During this season, it is common to find a lot of food drives and giving trees. Seek out local giving trees in the area. Churches have them, grocery stores, and small businesses. These same stores sometimes have a collection for food banks or toys for local children. Some common charities you might find are Toys for Tots or Forgotten Children's Fund. Both of these organizations could always use volunteers if you would like to give of your time as well.

Giving Nationally
Christmas is a time to spend time with family and most of the time eat yummy food. Although, hunger is an issue in our nation with 1 in 6 people struggling with hunger. Feeding America is a network of national food banks. They have multiple ways to give and find food banks near you. No Kid Hungry is also and organization that fights hunger and makes sure kids get enough to eat.

Giving Globally
On of my favorite ways to give is through Operation Christmas Child. Through this, a child across the world has the opportunity to learn about Christ while getting a shoe box full of fun items and necessities. You can build a shoe box on their website or check out the guidelines and build your own by buying items at a store. This is a fun one to get kiddos involved in. Priority One invests in leadership organizations around the world. They do this by helping build facilities, financing clean water wells, providing transportation for ministers, and providing e-readers for curriculum. There is always individuals who can benefit from these things as they have an eagerness to follow the Lord.

How will you be giving of yourself this Christmas season? Please share!

Blessings,

 and