Those of us who are warm and cozy this season might consider those who are cold and hungry.
It’s a time of year when many of us think about giving to others, and in many ways, it’s the most important time of year to do so. Wintertime isn’t necessarily a wonderland for everyone – it can be long, dark, chilly and lonely, and we would hate for anyone in our community to feel unlucky and unloved.
We hope members of the community who have the means will support any or many of the charities that make a difference.
A lot of us will have stockings that are overflowing come Christmas morning, and maybe between now and then, we can fill some other stockings. This cause is particularly important to us at the News Bulletin as we are in the midst of another Coins for Kids (formerly Pennies for Presents) fundraising campaign for the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive and the Nanaimo Boys and Girls Club.
Others have more immediate wants and needs – coats, blankets, warmth. The Salvation Army’s kettle campaign is the most visible Christmas charity every year and the dollars raised in Nanaimo stay in Nanaimo, helping provide food, clothing and shelter.
The Hamperville program is a project of the Salvation Army and Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank, and the food and cash donations collected help make Christmas dinner possible for those who otherwise might not have enough to eat.
If we have helped our friends and neighbours in Nanaimo, we might then look beyond our shores, and give to Operation Christmas Child’s shoebox campaign.
There are countless causes, so many of them worthy, but we understand that there are countless distractions at this time of year, too. We should enjoy the season, and its hustle and bustle and cheer. Maybe we will feel a little bit better after giving, sharing and helping. More importantly, we will know that someone else will feel a little bit better.