The Holiday Season - A Time To Give Back

Well, it's Dec 26. Christmas has come and gone, we've "after Christmas shopped" for the requisite wrapping paper, ribbons and name tags for next year, and we've returned the few (thank goodness!) presents that didn't quite make the cut. After all the hubbub, it's certainly time to reflect for a few minutes.

It's a time to think of others and of how each of us can make a difference with even a small act of kindness. To that end, Libby's (the food company) is giving away a $300 grocery shopping spree - $150 for the winner to keep and $150 to be donated to the charity of the winner's choice.

Here's the charity I would support: the Caring Kitchen in my small hometown in Ohio. Being back home over the holidays really opened my eyes to the impact the bad economy is having around the country. Living in a big city now, it isn't always apparent. But in a small town, it's very, very obvious. You can see depression and defeat carried on the shoulders of people you pass on the street. The closing of several factories - and the threat of more closures - has everyone walking on eggshells. My parents, who often support the Caring Kitchen, called earlier this week to ask what they might need. They said they had a lot of adults staying there and anything would be appreciated. So, if I would be fortunate enough to win the $300 shopping spree from Libby's, I'd support this great organization.

Here's hoping and praying for a better 2009 for all...