You see them every year…Christmas trees decorated not with ornaments, but pieces of paper, each one bearing the name of a child in need. Usually you find them in high-traffic places like Wal-Mart or the mall. It’s easy to just walk by, it’s such a busy season, but have you ever stopped to take a look, a good look? Have you considered how much joy it could bring to someone by just buying for one extra person this year?

Christmas is a big, if not the biggest, time of year for children. For children in need, it becomes even more poignant. And not just for the children, but the parents as well. I know as a parent, one of my greatest joys is to be able to give to my child and the thought of a Christmas going by without being able to do that is terrible to even think about. Some children are in foster homes or don’t really have homes at all, so an act of kindness of just a simple gift can mean the world.

There are many of us who could pick up a few items for one of these kids without it even denting our budget in the least. For some it may be a little more difficult, but there are still ways to contribute without it being such a strain, such as:

Shop with a friend. Perhaps you and a friend or family member could purchase items together and split the cost. This makes it much more affordable for each of you and gives both persons a chance to take part.

Make it a class project. This would be a great project for a classroom or Sunday School Class. Each student could donate a couple dollars, depending on the size of the class, and the teacher can do the shopping. It’s also a wonderful way to emphasize the true meaning of the season.

Make it a family project. This is an excellent way for kids to get involved in the spirit of giving. They can help pick out toys or clothes, and it’s especially fun if the child is close in age to them.

Go in together with co-workers. Depending on the size of your office, you could shop for one or possibly more children each year. Everyone could donate a certain amount of money or groups of two or three can get together for each child.

Use other contacts. If you belong to a women group, community organization or other type of club, contact other members to generate interest. This is a great service project and a good way to bring members together. You could even plan a packing or wrapping party if you are able to buy for more than one child.

There are many ways to be able to participate in this sort of project without making it a financial burden. Who do you know? What groups do you belong to? What resources do you have? Many of us have much more than we realize. It may just be a matter of getting a little creative and thinking outside the box. Isn’t it worth it to bless a child that has so little?

So, before you say “I can’t”, stop and think for just a moment. Maybe you can.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 29th, 2008 at 7:00 am.