Hello Hens! The holidays are here! While researching charities relating to the holidays, I found something worthy of repeating.  If you are anywhere around my age, you remember the song “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”.  Well, this is one of my favorite oldies. Some 20 years ago, for a city-wide contest, I put together a display with 50 reasons to love “Midtown”- the area of town in which I live. Utilizing an old trunk, I made coins out of masonite, painted them gold and silver and put the names of the local treasures found in our neighborhood- the art gallery, the zoo, historic homes, restaurants, etc. We won first place- and everyone loved the idea of putting a positive spin on that famous song…

What I found to share with the hens today is “50 ways to give to the community this holiday”.  I personally couldn’t help but hum the song as I read these great ideas and I hope you enjoy them. I have added to, as well as removed, some of the original suggestions and I think there is something here for everyone:

Donate socks, gloves or hats to a local shelter. Ask friends to give money to the community rather than buying you a gift. Get your kids involved- they love to “projects”.  Swap gifts for donations. Sponsor an endangered animal like the koala, tiger, or wild horses; the choices are endless. Buy presents from a community group such as a school or church. Buy a “present” for an overseas project or someone in the military. Give to a charitable foundation. Buy an extra present and put it in the collection box at your local shopping center.  Give the planet a gift and buy a live Christmas tree. Donate to the local food bank (you children will love this one- let them help with the selection)! Get your gifts wrapped by a community gift stall at the local mall. Buy a cake from a local community group.

Buy your Christmas tree from a local community group. Find an environmental group that will plant a tree on your behalf.  Donate a gold coin to a good cause.  Buy fair trade coffee and buy other items from fair trade organizations. Buy clothing from a community group that offers gently worn items or give a gift certificate to someone in need. Go to a party sponsored by a community group and then discuss ways you can help next year!  Donate blood. Buy a calendar from a community group.  Collect calendars and give them to a nursing home. Check on your elderly neighbors to see if they need help. Offer to give a care-giver a break for a few hours. Volunteer to serve at a soup kitchen.  Say thanks more often; lend an ear. Holiday time can be stressful. Bake cookies or a cake for someone.

Help a non-profit address holiday cards. Donate your old computer to a good cause.  Adopt a stray. Donate food, towels or treats to your local animal shelter. Re-use your old holiday cards by donating to a kindergarten or nursing home for art classes.  Attend a local holiday concert. Get together with your neighbors.  Enjoy a day out and while you’re having fun, pick up rubbish you see along the way.  Plan for “financial giving” for next year.  Write a letter to your family and friends.  Set a limit on how much you spend on gifts. E-mail this list to your friends and family.  And, finally, SMILE.  It’s good for you and even if you only do one thing on this list, you have made a difference!!

Happy holidays to everyone.  If you would like to look up this complete list and their recommendations, go to www.ourcommunity.com.  Be safe and stay warm.

Love, Jessica

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