‘Tis the season for giving

The tree has been lit, the stockings are hung and our lists are dwindling, thanks to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There are 17 days remaining until Christmas — yikes! While the meaning of Christmas is not “gifts,” it is also “nice to be nice.”

There are many in need in our Middle Georgia community and you can help to make this a season of joy for them as well. I would like to challenge you to add someone in need to your giving list.

Here are a few ideas to help you spread the joy.

The Macon-Bibb County 4-H’ers are collecting items to send to firefighters who assisted with the wildfires in North Georgia. The group will accept items at the Macon-Bibb County Extension office until Monday. The list of items needed includes Gatorade, Powerade, protein bars, trail mix, peanut butter, bottles of water, flashlights, batteries, hand salve, chap stick, heavy duty wipes, hand warmers, hygiene items and shop towels.

The holiday season can be especially difficult for residents of local assisted living and nursing facilities. Have you ever witnessed the eyes of a senior kid-at-heart upon receiving a gift? It’s the best feeling ever! Here a few cost effective gifts the residents will love: games and puzzles, wheelchair blankets, Vaseline, lotions, toiletries, tissue and decorative tissue holders.

Nothing says giving more than giving the gift of food — at least for me. Add a few extra items to your grocery list to share with the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank. The food bank is always in need of dry goods, canned goods, snacks, spices and seasonings.

Baby, it’s cold outside. Temperatures here finally reflect fall and winter. For some local residents, this means securing warm winter items. The Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia, Goodwill and Salvation Army accept “gently used” coats, hats, scarves and gloves.

Some families in our area are busy just trying to provide the basics, and the idea of buying toys is stressful. Your friends and family can assist those families during this season. If you’re hosting a holiday party, ask guests to bring wrapped toys for children in need. Having trouble identifying a child in need? Try connecting with a faith-based organization or contact a teacher (they have a great idea about the needs of the children in their classes).

As a child, I always wondered why my aunt would stress about giving Christmas cards to the mailman, garbage men, bank teller and everyone else who made her life run smoother. As an adult with a busy life and a family of my own, I realize it’s the essence of the old adage “it’s better to give than to receive.”

I will never forget the looks on their faces as they smiled, gave thanks, and yelled “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Burriel!” I often found myself smiling as well. Don’t forget our service providers. My hairstylist, mailman, UPS delivery person and my child’s teachers are on my list. Who’s on yours? I also like to leave generous tips for restaurant servers during this season.

Whatever way you choose to give, I am sure it will be appreciated more than you can ever imagine and that, my friends, is the true reason for the season.

This story was originally published December 6, 2016 at 10:41 AM with the headline "‘Tis the season for giving."