Charities (not really 1 of the 12 pains of Christmas)

You know that funny Christmas song, "The 12 pains of Christmas"??? Charities are the 7th pain. Listen - you will hear it in there amongst the hangovers, rigging up the lights, etc.! 

Through a friend, I have met a lovely elderly woman, Sister Alice, who dedicated her entire life to others. 
As I am not traditionally religious (I do not belong to or go to a church, nor do I pray in the usual fashion), I do believe that you should be a good person, be responsible for yourself, treat others as you'd like to be treated, live as an example to others, and lead a life filled with actions that you are proud of.

So while I was cleaning Sister Alice's apartment the other day, and having very interesting conversations with her as usual, I got to thinking about charities. Sweet Alice gave me a calendar that she had received from some distant charity that she had always donated to. This is a woman who has had little to no income her entire life, yet she gladly donated the little bit she had. Materialistic things don't mean that much to her. She sees a bigger picture.

I worry about the elderly (and all people for that matter) being scammed or taken advantage of by groups looking for donations. The best solution is to donate locally.

It is all too easy to see that people locally need  help. It is good practice to donate something of yourself locally as often as possible. Food banks are everywhere. Find one and donate once a month. Diaper banks are the newest thing. If you have looked at the price of diapers, you wonder how young, struggling families can afford it all. (And yes, I do consider that people should plan accordingly, but sometimes stuff happens and they can just get into a bind). Be willing to help out a little bit, often. Many places need time donated, so if you can, donate some of your time, too.

Putnam's local radio station, WINY, is a great source to us here in the Quiet Corner. They hold events at their broadcast house all the time, do promos on air, and post on their website. It is easy to give a little at a time. We have a very generous area, and all walks of life & income levels chip in.

So, I have learned from Alice that although she is not monetarily wealthy, she is as rich as it comes, in goodness and life experiences. Make yourself a richer person, and be good to your community.

I am a Putnamaniac because the local charities are NOT a pain at Christmas or throughout the year!