December 2025

December Thought of the Month

"Money is not the only commodity that is fun to give. We can give time, we can give our expertise, we can give our love or simply give a smile. What does that cost? The point is, none of us can ever run out of something worthwhile to give."

~ Steve Goodier

It's that time of year. People hold local toy drives. Salvation Army bell ringers brave the cold with their kettles. Charitable organizations run more commercials than usual. December is not just the season to be jolly, but a time for giving. Many charities count on end of year donations. But not everyone has the money to donate, especially these days. Fortunately, cash isn't the only giving option we have to make a hard world a little softer for those around us.

We can donate our time and the skills we have learned in life to local assistance services. To find their contact information, visit your city or county website and search for terms like homelessness, shelters, or food pantries. Ask your religious leaders what programs they have for the needy and how you can help.

Before donating your gently used clothing and household items to resale shops or drop boxes, contact your local shelters to find out if they can use these items. See a list of items shelters need the most.

In times like these when so many people are under a lot of stress, random acts of kindness mean more than ever. Help someone reach an item on a high shelf at the store. Hold a door for people going in or out. Distract a restless child while the mom or dad is busy in the checkout line. Shovel your sidewalk so pedestrians don't have to walk in the streets. A greeting, a thank you, a simple smile can be more important than you'd ever guess. Small acts like these can make all the difference for someone having a bad day.

Never think that there's nothing you can do against the craziness in the world. Always remember that our positive actions have an effect. It may not be obvious or seem like much but, like waves wearing down beaches, they will make a difference.

[Thought and image design by Elaine C. Oldham]