A couple days before the holiday is probably the worst time to ask what you can do to help.
Most charitable efforts—small or large–to assist and serve the least fortunate among us are conceived, funded, orchestrated and staffed months prior. You wouldn’t decide to throw a birthday party for your kid a couple days before the big day, would you?
Nonetheless, everyone wants a piece of that giving feeling. Nonprofits and soup kitchens, struggling all year for consistent help and support, often have too many last minute offers to place and fill during the holidays. Every parent strives to find a teaching moment for their kids between Thanksgiving and Christmas, too often walking away disappointed when there’s no room for them at the inn because everyone else also wants to use that holiday inn as their teaching tool.
You know what would help?
Choosing another month during the year for your family. How about March? Or September? Maybe sign up to serve in the heat of mid-July when the kids are out of school and can see first hand what it’s like to be homeless and hungry in the desert heat? Bring money you and the kids have saved for this experience all year long.
You can make any month Thanksgiving or Christmas for those who most need a special meal, good cheer and the hope of the season—every season.
Just an idea from someone on the inside. And not a bad one, methinks.
But hey, anytime you’re willing to spread the love is a good time, sooner or later.