About twice a year I do a closet purge. I kind of go by the mantra ‘if I haven’t worn it in over a year, chances are, I never will again’. That’s not to say I get rid of pieces I know will take on a future vintage chic in seasons to come (those get appropriately bagged and re-filed in another closet), but the normal everyday gets tossed in a bag and donated.
A couple weeks back, I did the dreaded shoe purge, as shoes I have the hardest time parting with. That being said, two full bags of shoes left the house—although they are still in the back of my car awaiting the donation stop. (Yes, I hate good-byes.)
All this purging and subsequent donating started me thinking about the upcoming holiday season, and the elevated want for most of us to help out people in need. The solicitations for donations start to multiply, with mail and door-to-door campaigns in full swing. The sheer number of requests for help can be overwhelming, as can be the decision on who to help.
The last couple years I have taken it upon myself to lend a helping hand to single mothers and their children from the Calgary Immigration Educational Society. With the generous help of family, friends, and colleagues, we tried to make theirs a Christmas to remember.
While this year may once again see me making the call there, I am also reminded of other worthwhile Calgary organizations that can use our help this year.
The YWCA is celebrating their 100th Anniversary next month, and any organization that has had such an impact in turning the lives of countless women and their families around, deserves our continued communal support.
At just $3.11/person, The Mustard Seed provides full holidays meals to countless homeless and struggling Calgarians every year.
At the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, women take the next step in starting their lives over, often with children in tow. Items like baby food, toiletries, and children’s clothes/winter wear are in high demand, and for most of us lucky Calgarians, easily purchased without a second thought.
And there are of course many many more local charitable organizations that remain in need.
So as the Christmas season approaches, and we busy ourselves with shopping and plans to spend the days with those we love, lets not forget the most cliché (and truest) of all holiday mantras, ‘Tis better to give than to receive’.
How do you hope to help this holiday season ?