Between Thanksgiving and the New Year, it is easy to get caught up in the holiday rush, feel the pull of corporate shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday and get lost in planning grand annual festivities.
But we encourage you to look for opportunities this season to consider the less fortunate here on the Kenai Peninsula, throughout the state and around the world. There are many who have less than we do, just enough to get by day to day, let alone celebrate the holidays. In fact, talk to representatives from any number of organizations, and you’ll hear that the need on the Kenai Peninsula is growing.
Thankfully there are a number of organizations close to home doing charitable work that could benefit from your contribution, whether it be your time, talent or treasure.
If you are looking for a gift idea for a hard-to-shop-for friend or relative, donate in their name, or give a gift card to an organization with a mission they support.
In another month, it will time to apply for the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend. Consider donating a portion of your dividend through the Pick. Click. Give program.
Maybe you’d care to call one of the local animal shelters, food banks, homeless shelters or other organizations to see what supplies they might need. Donate a package either from yourself or for another.
In addition to material objects, communities are always in need of volunteer time and effort. Maybe that’s walking dogs at the animal shelter, shelving books at the library, reading to students in our local schools or helping out at the senior center. Perhaps you know a neighbor that could use help shoveling snow or doing work around the house.
Also don’t forget to tell the people you have in your life how much you appreciate them and just what they mean to you. You’d be surprised how often we forget to tell each other such simple things and how much they mean to the recipient.
Indeed, the holiday season is about giving. This year, think about those in your circle of family and friends, but also remember those who are less fortunate and consider giving gifts that benefit the great meaning of holiday spirit.
And to all who give, thank you.
