Sharing, giving and kindness worthwhile pursuits

“I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.”

—Charles Dickens

Regardless of how you celebrate the holidays, this is a time to reflect on all of the things one has to be thankful for, such as friends, family, food, work and a home of your own. But it can also be a great opportunity to turn your attention to individuals and families that may, for one reason or another, not be as fortunate. Although the holidays can often be a hectic time, helping those who are less fortunate can serve to remind you and your family of the true nature of the holidays.

How we can all help:

• Research an organization of interest to you and to see how your money or time can help the less fortunate. All organizations can use financial donations to distribute where there may be a need.

• Make a monetary donation. If you have more money than time, it makes sense to make financial contributions to nonprofit organizations that help people in need. You can find organizations that help all kinds of people, from those in your neighborhood to people in your city or schools.

• Donate goods that support those in need. When you donate goods, such as food to a food bank or toys to the Toys for Tots program, you can be sure that your full contribution goes to help.

• Volunteer your time. If you still want to make a difference, but simply don’t have money to spare, you can help through volunteering. Find an organization that needs manpower. You can help make meals in a soup kitchen or work with homeless youth.

• Call your local church and ask if it can help someone you know. You don’t have to belong to a church to enlist their help. Churches are a great resource as they often have many contacts in your community.

There are many families who are struggling with the economic crisis and recent natural disasters. You can help by joining a charity or by being a good neighbor. It will be sure to put a smile on their faces and will brighten up their lives by knowing someone cares about their struggles.

Keep in mind that you do not have to do a lot, but what you can do will always go a long way. Bring some joy to those in need as you would appreciate others to bring to you if you and your family could not afford to have a holiday of your own. And remember the generosity that comes forward during the holiday season should continue throughout the year. Those who suffer and have needs this time of year also suffer and have needs the entire year.

Virgie Thompson has been mayor of Houston since October 2010.