Queens Gazette

The Virtue Of Charity


Even though Thanksgiving has just passed, we still have Giving on our minds. The Holiday Season is now in full swing and there are many toy drives and other kinds of collection drives going on. We urge everyone not to forget those in need in the midst of our celebrating.

Don’t be reticent to check on your neighbors who may be struggling or lonely, and the elderly, who might not feel comfortable reaching out and asking for help, but who would welcome a gift of a turkey, or even an invitation. Or maybe just a hot dish or nice casserole. If you feel shy about it, just tell them you have extra and don’t want it to go to waste and maybe they know someone who’d like it. They always have the option to say “no, thank you,” if they don’t really need or want it.

Volunteers are always needed as well. You can check with any religious institutions or charitable organizations. They very likely appreciate any and all extra help throughout the year , but especially during the holidays.

Good deeds come in all forms. Just making efforts to be thoughtful and helpful, and not petty will go a long way to making life nicer for others. Another form of charity involves giving others the benefit of the doubt; being slow to judge and quick to forgive, remembering that others almost always have issues that make it hard for them to behave as we’d wish. Even if you don’ t drop your expectations, being of charitable mind can help you have a bit of extra patience.

There is always the “Gift Of Life.” One donation of blood can help save THREE lives. There always seem to be shortages, so do consider this donation, if you are able to.

As for cash donations, often you even get a tax break as a reward, in addition to the reward of knowing you’ve done good, and the heart warmth you also receive. Shelters can always use help, those for people and for animals as well, as temperatures start to drop more and more.

As we gorge ourselves on food and gifts while shopping for Christmas and Hanukkah presents (as we decide to gift ourselves when we spot great bargains on things we’ve been wanting, or “didn’t know we wanted until now” as well as being the recipients of gifts) and attending parties providing numerous opportunities for feasting, please remember to set aside some for others who may not be so fortunate.

At this festive time of year, we hope our kind readers will enjoy the gift of giving amidst their holiday preparations, merriment and special holiday events.

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