Posted by Tina
One of the wonderful things about this time of year is that giving happens! I’m not just talking about the ordinary hustle and bustle of gift buying that people engage in to make their own festivities bright but the millions of generous gifts and acts of kindness that come straight from the human heart:
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – The state says Ohio deer hunters are giving more venison to food banks, helping hungry families hit by joblessness. ** The Ohio Division of Wildlife says hunters have donated more than 104,000 pounds of meat so far this deer season, up from 95,500 pounds by this time last year.
SUPAI, Ariz. (AP) — Children on the Havasupai reservation don’t associate Santa Claus with a sleigh and flying reindeer. ** They know he’s coming when they hear the swooshing sounds of Marine helicopters overhead. ** Three Marine helicopters meandered through canyons to make sure Santa and his helpers reached even the most remote of places Wednesday – a small roadless reservation that sits deep in a gorge off the Grand Canyon and the only place in the country where mail is delivered by mule train. ** The helicopters landed on a small piece of land in the village of Supai. Tribal members emerged from their homes to greet Santa, and children stretched their hands through the school yard fence, asking for one of Santa’s elves to fashion balloons into animals, hats, candy canes and flowers. ** The event in its 15th year has become a holiday tradition for the tribe that hasn’t always been able to count on much. The Toys for Tots program, a Utah couple and a local food bank work with the Marines to deliver donated baskets of goods to every family and toys to every child, with planning for the operation starting in April.
Santa Claus and his elves are seeing more heartbreaking letters this year as children cite their parents’ economic troubles in their wish lists. ** U.S. Postal Service workers who handle letters addressed to Santa at the North Pole say more letters ask for basics — coats, socks and shoes — rather than Barbie dolls, video games and computers. ** “The need is greater this year than I’ve ever seen it,” he says. “One little girl didn’t want anything for herself. She wanted a winter coat for her mother.”
These stories are so inspiring. If they don’t work to put you in the mood to you’re just a grinch at heart…
…Christmas is a wonderful time of year to reflect on our blessings and renew our commitments to give generously to those less fortunate than we. Here in Chico there are many ways to give:
Butte Community College Giving Tree – Chico Mall
Esplanade House – Helping the Homeless Help Themselves
The ARC Store – Gift Wrap Fundraising
Bring your family’s gifts to either ARC Store (Chico or Oroville) and our volunteers will wrap them with beautiful paper. You’ll save time and you’ll be supporting a great cause. All the money raised by the booths helps the ARC’s Family Support Programs.
Military.com – Support Our Troops
Looking for ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom? In years past, you could wrap up a care package and mail it to “Any Service Member” for the holidays, but with increased mail restrictions, the Pentagon is asking people to help through financial contributions, letter-writing and e-mail, purchasing authorized pre-made care packages, or volunteering time through non-profits. ** Below are links to programs that offer aid to our military — everything from care packages to emergency services to military family support.
The Salvation Army Red Kettles are all over town…of course more generous gifts are also welcome.
This is a great time to experience the true spirit of Christmas…here’s to you and the warm cheery glow that comes through holiday giving!
I want to take this minute to Wish everyone at Post Scripts and all participants a glorious and happy Christmas.
May 2011 be one of the best.
Thank you Harriet and on behalf of Steve, Tina, (Ryan our editor) and myself MERRY CHRISTMAS and we hope you have a safe and happy New Year.