Every year, at this time of year, we start worrying about our holiday plans. Who is going to hold the dinner at their house this year, who is going to offer space for out of town friends and family to stay and all the things you are going to do, to make your Christmas special for you and your family. Many people have found it necessary to cut back from previous years for economical reasons but, still provide a decent Christmas for all.
While we are buying the holiday food and numerous, expensive toys to keep Bobby and Susie happy, we don't think of the less fortunate people in our community. The parents that have next to nothing. There are sacrifices for themselves, so they can provide SOME kind of Christmas for their kids. They may eat less, cut back on necessities they need for themselves or, even borrow money from friends and family that will be a struggle to pay back.
Luckily, there are organizations that are able to help during the Christmas season and throughout the winter. They provide hot meals when they can to the homeless and less fortunate. This year has already been a tough year for food banks. They haven't had much stock to fill the shelves. Although, many companies give them food, there is still a shortage. Donations from the communities through food drives and fundraisers are also a great help. Unfortunately, it's hard to keep up with the needs of the increasing amount of the less fortunate due to more and more people needing help each year. More people are losing jobs or having their hours cut back and even taking pay cuts.
There are great companies that donate to organizations what they produce, such as Turkeys and Hams, bags of frozen vegetables and potatoes and such, to provide a Christmas dinner for those less fortunate. It's all cooked and prepared to serve at various places such as, The Downtown Mission, Street Help and the Windsor Youth Centre, to name a few. For those that have larger families and it would be easier for them to provide a Christmas at home, there are food banks that offer Christmas baskets. They try to provide holiday favourites like stuffing, cranberries and maybe even a Christmas cake or cookies. You can also get donated toys from many locations to wrap and give as gifts.
So, this holiday season, while you are out getting everything you need, think of buying a doll or toy truck or crayons and colouring book to donate so these less fortunate kids can receive a present and not feel left out compared to those more fortunate. It doesn't need to be expensive, they will appreciate just having something new to play with.
Think of a few extra cans of food to donate. Many grocery stores have a drop off bin or they sell pre-packaged bag and boxes off food you can purchase at the register that will be donated. Do some extra baking and drop off treats that many children don't get on a regular basis. If you are crafty, you could knit some hats, scarves and mittens or blankets to donate. You wouldn't believe how appreciative people are for such items at this time of year.
Clean out your closets if you have old things you don't use. Clothes, including warm socks and thermal underclothes, old blankets, coats, towels and toiletries, as some places offer a place to sleep and shower. Most people don't even think about toiletries. Baby foods and formulas are also needed. You can never donate too much of that.
More and more people have taken to the streets handing out containers of warm food they have left over or, make a cheap and easier dinner and package it and hand it out to those on the streets.
It's understandable some cannot afford to donate their selves but they could volunteer at organizations to help with meals and serving them, handing out toys, help write Santa letters or just read a Christmas story. If more people even bought 1 or 2 cans of anything to donate or, since food banks are now trying to offer more food groups, items such as hamburger, chicken and eggs are divided up to make smaller packages to hand out.
Every amount of money or grocery store gift card you can donate, big or small, can purchase an array of items like more food, items to help buy supplies shelters need so they can assist those in need.
While you are out hustling and bustling this holiday season, think of something big, or small, that would make someone's family have a special Christmas, full of memories that will last forever.
So, this holiday season, while you are out getting everything you need, think of buying a doll or toy truck or crayons and colouring book to donate so these less fortunate kids can receive a present and not feel left out compared to those more fortunate. It doesn't need to be expensive, they will appreciate just having something new to play with.
Think of a few extra cans of food to donate. Many grocery stores have a drop off bin or they sell pre-packaged bag and boxes off food you can purchase at the register that will be donated. Do some extra baking and drop off treats that many children don't get on a regular basis. If you are crafty, you could knit some hats, scarves and mittens or blankets to donate. You wouldn't believe how appreciative people are for such items at this time of year.
Clean out your closets if you have old things you don't use. Clothes, including warm socks and thermal underclothes, old blankets, coats, towels and toiletries, as some places offer a place to sleep and shower. Most people don't even think about toiletries. Baby foods and formulas are also needed. You can never donate too much of that.
More and more people have taken to the streets handing out containers of warm food they have left over or, make a cheap and easier dinner and package it and hand it out to those on the streets.
Every amount of money or grocery store gift card you can donate, big or small, can purchase an array of items like more food, items to help buy supplies shelters need so they can assist those in need.
While you are out hustling and bustling this holiday season, think of something big, or small, that would make someone's family have a special Christmas, full of memories that will last forever.
Although, this story has been about the Holiday season, this help is definitely needed
throughout the entire year. No one should have to go without!
 |
The CP Holiday Train rolls into Windsor December 2, 2014. It arrives at 4:30pm and the show starts at 5:30pm. at CP Yard at Erie St West and Janette St. |
Over it's 3 week journey to get to Windsor, it stops in every community collecting food and money donations. They have a concert at every stop that is free but, they do ask you to donate money or a non-perishable food item. All contributions stay in our community.
Happy Holidays from all of us, to all the friends of the
Windsor Business Networks,
and the Mashup Kaffe.
Written By: Mike Crawford
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