Plus, there is always a huge tree in the local Mall under which you can place presents for disadvantaged children. Sadly they have to have it guarded these days.
One thing I envy some of you for is the snow you get. There is something inherently wrong with spraying fake snow on your windows and eating hot roast turkey when its sweltering outside and most people are in skimpy summer clothes.!!! lolol
Do any of you have special bins at your supermarkets to put cans/packets of foodstuffs in?
That is a great idea too and I try to remember once or twice a month to add to it.
Plus, there is always a huge tree in the local Mall under which you can place presents for disadvantaged children. Sadly they have to have it guarded these days.
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Yes we have those bins here as well in a lot of the stores. About mid November they have a huge place you can take food/toys/money to help families in need. I actually start my toy shopping for this place right after Christmas. So my shopping for Christmas Care is already done.
We have that outside the markets too. The kids schools collect boxed and canned foods as well. Also the department stores have the xmas tree that you can pick the name of a child and what they are wishing for (my favorite).The food banks are really hurting this year, with many more people requesting help. It is a good reminder for all of us to do what we can for them.
We will be doing our usual - Christmas Eve here with our immediate family, Christmas Day in Rhode Island with hubby's mom and siblings.
I will be hosting Christmas Eve like I usually do this year- hooray! Last year I was so ill with RA my sister in law did it instead and I was barely able to attend. I have a lot to be thankful for!we use to have traditions but with family members dying off and others divorcing our holidays have been more sad than happy. this year my husband's company has cut his pay ,000.00 a month which is an extreme amount. we will be cutting out everything. instead of looking at our misfortune, we could use our time and energy to help others. everyone's stories have been so inspiring! wonderwoman
Lisa, you always warm my heart with the kindnesses you show! I would so like to meet you one day. I can't think of anyone I would rather call my friend. Actually, there are several people here who I feel like I know already. And, most of the time, it seems we have all been friends forever.
I love the program of bringing someone home for a snack or meal and to share your family with them around the holidays. I'm sure it saves many people the sadness of having to be all alone and depressed. It sounds like it isn't only the holidays when you have them visit. Four times a year would really give them something to look forward to.
I'm also very proud of my daughters and my 18-year old granddaughter for their kindness to the elderly. We have always enjoyed having elderly friends and relatives around. They usually enjoy the attention as much as we enjoy having them and hearing stories of times past.
Sadly, my health has kept us from entertaining much except our immediate family. For the past two or three years I can't really help with much of anything. My precious husband does cook a great turkey, though. One thing I try to do is at least bake one pumpkin pie. A bit hard to do from a mobility chair, but where there's a will there's a way.
Hopefully, next year I'll be in much better shape, God willing. This is my favorite time of year, from now til New Year's. There is always such a warm feeling, with family around and everyone happy.
Keep up the good work, Lisa.
Much love to you and your family,
Nini
Thanks for all your lovely remarks but honestly its the least i can do to help out, there are days i sit at home and can t get out when my RA is bad and i know that if it wasnt for my family and friends I would be in the same postition as these elderly people and probably wouldnt see a single person. Unfortunetely for them a lot of their friends have passed away and family dont care anymore or have moved away. Young children and old people bring out the best in people.
Things are very bad for me and son. Hubby or ex-hubby not sure what to refer to him by as we are separated not divorced yet. Anyway, he has not paid the support he agreed to in court. I got zilch last month and a bounced check this month. while he is living the high life. I had to beg and cry to get him to give me enough for my ra meds as the pharmacy was going to put them back in 24hrs. I have been going to the food bank, but it's barely enough for a week and we can only go monthly. I did sign up for a thanksgiving basket, so that should be a big treat! It's been very humbling.
I really wish I could help Deb...Wish you were closer. You dont deserve to be treated like this
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