Happy New Years to All, Including the Elderly in Your Community

People Are Resources, Too

Make plans to go to a local nursing home and visit an elderly resident who isn’t talking with or sitting next to anyone. Receiving extra one-on-one attention can be very rewarding for the resident and you’ll be surprised how interesting their life has been once you start talking with them. Especially with the holidays coming, think of those who might not have family nearby who would love good company at this time of year. Nine times out of ten, you will end up receiving much more than you gave to these elders who have so much to offer- wisdom, stories, advice and love.

Regifting 101: One sure-fire way to successfully pass it on

If your heart and your wallet have different ideas about making monetary donations, it is time to summon your inner regifter.  An unwanted gift could be a welcome donation to a charitable organization. For help selecting a charitable organization, visit the Better Business Bureaus’ Wise Giving Alliance. You can also contact the government office responsible for registering charities in your state. A little research upfront will make sure that your donation is put to good use.  If the process of selecting a charity seems daunting, remember, you benefit from giving as well. Involving your children in the selection of and contribution to a charity teaches valuable lessons.

You have an opportunity to make a difference.

Some charitable gifts are tax-deductible if made to a qualified organization. But be sure your organization meets IRS guidelines, as there may be different tax breaks when you donate certain types of assets to charity.

Gifts From the Heart

Make Merry!

Santa Claus came early to a Pennsylvania retailer this year. In early December, an anonymous man walked into a store and told he manager he wanted to donate $50,000 to help pay off customer layaway accounts. “We made him say it twice,” said store manager Steve Meyers. “When we started calling customers, they thought it might be a joke”. The donor, who asked to be known only as Santa B., arrived just in time, as unfulfilled layaway orders were set to be cancelled that day. “He just wanted to bring Christmas cheer to everyone,” Meyers said. “He was in and out, kind of like Santa Claus.”

Happy Hanukkah!

The Jewish Festival lights begin this time of year and has a marvelous tradition of giving, known as “Tzedakah." When translated into English, the root word “tzedakah,” means charity -- giving to those in need. Tzedakah is part of the 10 Commandments and holds a very high place in Judaism. Tzedakah is derived from the Hebrew word tzade-dalet-qof, meaning righteous, fair, or just. Giving or donating, in the Jewish religion is not a generous act, but also considered to be a just act. It is a performance of duty.

In Jewish literature, the sages have said that tzedakah is the highest of all commandments. In fact it is equal to all other commandments combined. Tzedakah is what grants us forgiveness from our sins. According to the Yom Kippur literature, a judgment has been inscribed for those who have sinned. Repentance, prayer, and tzedakah can reverse the decree. Certain kinds of tzedakah are considered to be of greater merit than others. Maimonides organized the different tzedakah into a hierarchical list. From the least to most meritorious they are: Giving begrudgingly Giving less than you should, but giving cheerfully Giving after being asked Giving before being asked Giving when you are unaware of the recipient's identity, but the recipient is aware of yours Giving when you are aware of the recipient's identity, yet you remain anonymous. Giving when neither party is aware of the other's identity Enabling the recipient to become self reliant. This is true kindness. 

Operation Christmas Child

Pack a shoebox with new toys, school supplies, socks… go to www.samaritianspurse.org for more information on how to pack a box. It will be donated to a child in need (you can decide the gender and age group) and you can even track the box to see where it ends up! Check out this website for some packing ideas: http://faithfulprovisions.com/2012/10/01/101-operation-christmas-child-shoebox-ideas/

Difficult People are the Ones We Learn the Most From

I love the old-fashioned ideas of virtues such as kindness, generosity a LOT. I am determined to develop my patience muscle so it gets stronger all the time. Here is a big one for me; to learn to have patience with difficult people. (And realize I may be one, myself and not know it!)  This is not only a good deed for the person you are exhibiting patience towards, but it is also a good deed for yourself! Imagine that, a good deed for yourself! For example, when someone is purposely trying to push your buttons by doing something or saying something rude, you can choose to act with patience and understanding instead of anger. This will benefit you by keeping your blood pressure low and your stress levels low as well – which we know are two health issues that many people are suffering from today. My wise woman friend BJ Gallagher says, “Difficult people are the ones we learn the most from.”