Inexpensive yet amazing ways to give

Nestled comfortably in our safe little world we sometimes forget that others are not as fortunate as we are. It is only when images of the hungry or homeless are splashed before us that we are reminded of exactly how lucky we are to have the life that we do.

Sometimes it all seems so very overwhelming that there really does not seem to be much that we are able to do to help. So we don't. Sometimes we just do not think that we have anything to give and there are a lot of very good reasons for this logic. Not everyone has ample monetary resources to donate, and not everyone has the time, or is healthy enough to spend hours volunteering for local charities. Not everyone has a diploma in a specialized field so that they are able to donate their expertise to others.

Fortunately though, we all do have the ability to help. We have it within ourselves to give, and compared to those who are less fortunate than ourselves, we have plenty to share.There are just so many inexpensive yet amazing ways to give.

It doesn't take much to make a difference in another individuals life, and it can mean just so much to those that we reach out to help. Giving to those less fortunate than ourselves does not have to be expensive, yet it can make an amazing difference to those who receive our help. It is the little things in life that make the most difference, and if each of us can give that little something extra to those around us, then what a difference we could make.

It is often the smallest things that can bring comfort to another living creature, a simple smile or a touch for someone who is alone, a hot cup of coffee offered on a cold day, a meal to fill an empty stomach or a warm blanket for them to curl up in at night. We have so much that we can give.

A warm toque, a knitted pair of mittens, or socks are gifts that can mean the difference between life and death to a homeless person. These individuals spend a lot more time out of doors than we do, and the cold weather that they endure is a hardship, that most of us cannot even begin to imagine. Their feet are often in shoes or boots for extended periods of time, causing the socks to dampen, and the feet to freeze in the cold winter air. Foot infections are commonplace. At this time the simple gift of a warm pair of clean socks can mean so very much. Knitted mittens, a scarf, or a toque to protect the fingers, face and ears in the cold is a blessing that we cannot even begin to imagine.

For those who can knit or crochet creating an extra little gift doesn't take a lot of time, and it can be done while a person sits, and watches television in the evening. Donating this gift to a local shelter, Veteran's services, Church, or Salvation Army will insure that this gift gets to those who might need it most. This inexpensive gift can make such an amazing difference to another person's quality of life.

There are so very many inexpensive yet amazing ways to give. Don't ever think that what you have to offer won't make a difference, because to someone it does, it is the little things in life that matter most.

There are hundreds of amazing ways to give. We just have to do it! A lottery ticket popped into the hands of a street person can be hope. Donating used toys, books or magazines to a local homeless shelter, senior center, social service center, can become hours of entertainment for those who visit there. Donating these same toys, books or magazines to a Goodwill store rather than discarding them in the trash can mean that meals or shelter can be provided for those who need them most. These inexpensive ways of giving can mean just so much to those who receive these gifts.

By helping an elderly neighbor with his/her yard work for about fifteen minutes two to three days a week, you can be the difference between that elderly person having the ability to remain in their home for the remainder of their life, or their being forced to move into a care facility. Many seniors are just surviving on their pensions and hiring someone to do these tasks for them is not an option that they can afford. Government agencies don't often provide aide for shoveling snow in winter, or mowing the grass in summer, and in later years these simple tasks can be very difficult for seniors to manage. Time is not often thought of as a means of giving, but it is indeed, an amazing gift to give to those in need.

Volunteering to read or play guitar to the residents at a local senior center can bring delight to an otherwise dreary day. Simply stopping by to say a quick hi, discuss the weather, or how enjoyable a good book was can bring a smile to even the sternest face. These inexpensive gifts of time are amazing.

We have all had the experience of being in the department or grocery store alongside a mom with a group of very whiny kids. The mom is ready to strangle the whole lot of them. The kids are bouncing up and down, fighting, crying and definitely not having a very enjoyable shopping experience. It's almost enough to have us dropping our purchases and running.

But instead of just standing their glowering at them and acting annoyed, it takes just a smile, and a little laughter to break up the tension of their day. A very simple gift of kindness. Just a few moments of our time, a few minutes of our day, to make another persons life so much easier. A very inexpensive yet amazing gift to give.

A food hamper given to a single mother that you know is struggling to make ends meet can dramatically reduce the amount of stress that she is forced to endure. Certificates to a local movie theater, sporting event, swimming pool, or activity center, given to this same mom can mean that her kids have entertainment. They are able to enjoy a few of the things that other kids just take for granted.

Animal shelters are often short of hands just to pet, brush, or walk the animals that are temporarily housed there. A little love, and a whole lot of caring for an abused animal can turn an angry and resentful creature, into a happy playful friend again.

Volunteering an hour a week doesn't take a lot of time out of our lives and it can make such a very large difference in theirs. A few bags of puppy or kitty treats donated to these same shelters can be the difference between these same pets just existing their lives, or being really truly able to enjoy, and look forward to each new day. These inexpensive gifts can be such a pleasure for those who may not otherwise have received them.

Give what you are able to even if it is just a kind word to your fellowman, a helping hand, or a small bit of food for a hungry animal. The gift of kindness exists within each of us.