The Joy of Giving

During the holidays there are so many opportunities out there to help others.  It seems like everywhere you go, you see bell ringers, toy drives and organizations collecting money to help feed the homeless. All of these are great ways to help those less fortunate. Not only can you give monetary donations, but you can also give your time to help with these events.

As a mom, I know how busy our lives get during the holidays. We are decorating the house, buying gifts, wrapping gifts, sending out cards, attending parties and going to school winter concerts. It can all be exhausting.

As a parent I think it is important to help our kids realize see that there is more to Christmas than getting presents. It’s about giving. Have you ever been a Salvation Army bell ringer? Have you ever fed the homeless a holiday meal, or organized a toy drive to help kids who wouldn’t be getting anything for Christmas? The joy of doing these things is not only rewarding to the people you are doing them for, but also for you personally. You’ve probably heard the saying “It’s better to give than receive.”  It’s true. Try it and you will see.

There is a community church project in Seminole called “Faith Café”. It is at Faith Community and was started by a church member’s passion to help those that are struggling right now to make ends meet because of the economy. Once a week on Thursday evenings, church members get together and make “hot” cooked meals for about 60-70 people from the community.  For some this is the only “hot” meal they will have all week.

The church’s hall is set up like a restaurant. A cook is in the kitchen making the food and there are servers waiting on the tables. Even the food is served on beautiful plates. Members of the church have been giving time and money supporting this community mission. Even the desserts are made each week by the mom’s bible study. It is a wonderful project helping those in need. It is a growing ministry and like other organizations can use the help of people in the community.

This holiday season try and give back to your community. Ask yourself, “What can I do to make this holiday special for someone less fortunate in my community?” This is your opportunity to show your children what the Christmas spirit is all about. If everyone did just one nice thing, how our community would be blessed.

****If you or someone you know could use a hot cooked meal, call Faith Community Church and let them know you will be at Faith Cafe. Meals are served every Thursday from 5pm-6:30pm.
The number is 727-391-0596.
Faith Cafe is located at 11501 Walker Avenue, Seminole, FL 33772