Keeping “Tidings of Good Cheer” Going!

It is the HOLIDAYS! I believe that this time of year brings out joy and cheer in many people, thus making the holiday season brighter than average. During this time, people get together more often. They may go out of their way to see family and friends they haven’t seen all year. They may take part in acts of service benefiting charities or give to organizations that support families in need. They may spend hours searching for the perfect gift for a loved one.

During this time especially, we tend to show our gratitude by giving people gifts we have so carefully selected for them. Finding and giving our loved ones the perfect gift is an indescribable experience. So, what’s stopping us from sharing that joy with our community?

While I was watching the news, they were talking about all of these charitable organizations that were accepting contributions during the holiday season. There were toy drives, food drives, Salvation Army kettles, soup kitchen shifts, and more. They were encouraging people to sign up for any and all of these opportunities now.

I thought to myself, “Why don't we have campaigns like this throughout the year? Honestly, people are hungry every single day. Kids need things more often than just on holidays. People who are in need have birthdays throughout the year just like you and I do.” It really got me thinking. What prevents us from giving, gathering, and expressing gratitude the other 11 months of the year? Why do we need the holiday season to bring tidings of good cheer?

Over the last two years, CLI has organized food collections to benefit a local food pantry during the summertime (when kids are out of school, do not have access to free/reduced meal options, and are particularly vulnerable to hunger). That is definitely a tradition we plan on continuing, but I know we can do more.

Readers, here’s where I need your help - I would love for you to send me an email sharing anything you are doing to support your community throughout the rest of the year. Together we can serve our community, and keep the holiday spirit alive all year long. 

What I have learned: WE can keep the holiday cheer going throughout the year. All we have to do is plan for it. 

​