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Keeping in Touch:  Reaching out for the holidays  |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 19 2009 : 10:30:17 PM
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With winter and the holidays fast approaching, my thoughts have been on the many, many people out of work or otherwise suffering hardships, the elderly and those with little children, especially  While I can't end world hunger,I can't just sit by having plenty while others do without and it occurs to me that I CAN reach out, farmgirl-style, to a few of those in my own community who are struggling and offer what I can...I will be making up a few gift boxes of holiday goodies, finding homes for a few loveable teddy bears and trying to find as many small avenues as possible to wrap my arms around my community and give a few, worried and needy people a small bit of old-fashioned farmgirl kindness.
What kindnesses do any other farmgirls like to share with their own communities? Let's make a post of good acts and small kindnesses to share and get everyone into a giving mood for the holidays and beyond!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9438 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9438 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2009 : 05:07:21 AM
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A while back our family started going through the Salvation Army and getting a family that we did for Christmas. We were responsible for the whole family as far as gifts. The SA always takes care of the meal. It was really a joy to "make" christmas, so to speak for someone else.
Or at least do what we could.
God is good....all the time.
Denise
www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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crafter
True Blue Farmgirl
2313 Posts
lori
Fort Atkinson
Wisconsin
USA
2313 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2009 : 08:46:06 AM
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In our community we have Christmas neighbors- where we provide a Christmas meal and gifts for the children. We have helped thru our 4-H group and our church.
This year my family will help with this organization. We want to help with our neighbors also- we have elderly neighbors that have a hard time getting around- so when I make soup and meals- I will try to make more to share. My daughter also suggested that we go thru past back packs and old school supplies and things that are still able to be used and take them to her old elementary school for children to use for the 2nd semester. Very small ways to help, but better then none at all.
Lori |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2009 : 08:57:49 AM
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It's going to be very tight for us this year, but that seems to be when I give more. Like Annika said, we're still very blessed, despite Justin losing his job. On the top of my list:
local animal shelters and humane societies. They are taking in so many animals due to foreclosure and other impacts on families. So, I want to help give these animals and their caregivers a little easier time of it.
Be Concerned: A community based organization that I donate every year to their "HUGS" program (hats, undergarments, scarves) for the needy. I shop clearance at the end of every Winter to load up on hats/scarves etc. and take up a collection in the office for the underwear drive.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2009 : 1:43:20 PM
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You girls are all awesome!
I knew that some of you already did help out those in need, and it does my heart good to hear about it. Hugs and blessings!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
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Edited by - Annika on Oct 20 2009 2:18:56 PM |
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laurzgot
True Blue Farmgirl
1721 Posts
Laurie
Alvin
Texas
USA
1721 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2009 : 8:29:43 PM
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At the preschool were I work we are collecting items to pakage up to send of to our servicemen and servicewomen. We also give items to the women's and childrens center throughout the year and give gifts to the children who are at the women's center during Christmas.
Laurie
suburban countrygirl at heart |
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blackantsnpeonys
True Blue Farmgirl
151 Posts
Denise
Hinckley
Illinois
USA
151 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2009 : 10:38:10 PM
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We have contacted our church to give us a name of a family "in need" with children. Giving a dinner to a family at Thanksgiving with a gift card to local grocery store. So many less fortunate than ourselves. Give and it shall be given. My needs have always been met, so I must give with a cheerful heart.
Appreciate the little things, for they are not really that little. |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13664 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13664 Posts |
Posted - Oct 21 2009 : 07:10:12 AM
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We haven't decided on what we will do to help out in our community yet, but that will be coming soon.
However, we do support Christian organizations that do HUGE relief efforts in other countries, such as World Vision and Samaritans Purse. These organizations publish a "Christmas Catalog" every year where there is a variety of things to chose from such as providing food for a child for a certain period of time, money for a family to put in a well, money for a family to buy animals to provide food, etc., etc. We make our selections, we GIVE those donations in honor of a family member and use the cards the organization sends us to complete the information about what we have purchased in their honor and give the card to that family member for Christmas.
We have done this for years . . . our family has been HUGELY impacted by this!!! Since we have so much . . . REALLY . . . it puts it all in perspective for us for those who have pretty much nothing.
I try to express my gratitude for what we do have. When I hang out my laundry to dry . . . I HAVE CLOTHES! When I scrub the toilet . . . I HAVE INDOOR PLUMBING and WATER! When I just recently washed the windows . . . I HAVE A HOUSE and it's PAID for!!!
Every time I go to work . . .I HAVE A JOB!!
When I look at the checking account . . .I CAN PAY MY BILLS and WE ARE OUT OF DEBT!
Then I am humbled and reminded of those who are really needy and hurting.
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR CARE FARMGIRLS!!!! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!
CJ
...from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665 |
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vintagediva1
True Blue Farmgirl
1251 Posts
Michele
Brighton
Michigan
USA
1251 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 08:59:30 AM
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Because my grown kids will all be elsewhere this Thanksgiving, my sister and I are going to serve at a shelter. I am thankful that we can do this.
There is a Tie One on Day the day before Thanksgiving where one can gift a loaf of bread and an apron to someone. We are going to do that but also, just bake bread and randomly deliver it to people who either need a warm hug or someone who has done a kindness for me during the year.
One person I am definitely baking for is a woman in our community who I do not know but every time I drive past her house, I have to smile. She decorates her enclosed porch for every holiday imaginable. Usually with an apron clad mannequin and a decorated tree. It always makes me giggle so I want her to know how much her sense of whimsy is appreciated.
Then we are going to find some houses that look like they need a smile and give them a loaf of bread.
I usually carry extra mittens and hats in my car and give them to the homeless that I see when I am out.
Michele
www.2vintagedivas.etsy.com
www.sissyandsisterstitch.etsy.com
Love that good ole vintage junk |
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Bonnie Ellis
True Blue Farmgirl
2474 Posts
Bonnie
Minneapolis
Minnesota
USA
2474 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2009 : 5:32:06 PM
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Annika: We always seem to be in a giving mood around the holidays. In addition to giving cheer at that time, pick something during the rest of the winter especially in cold weather in your area. Each one reach one and pass it on. I think especially of the elderly at holidays. Those whom no one visits need extra hugs and just someone to listen. Everyone can help with this project, even the kids, cats and dogs. People love animals to visit to (ask first).
I'll do my share.
Bonnie
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2009 : 6:01:46 PM
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I've been gathering up for a charity filled year ahead and am picking what I know I can do to help in my community...I live with in walking distance of a Good Samaritan rest home and I'm looking into what I can do to spend some time with the elderly and lonely folks there!I don't have a lot of money, but I DO have the time to organize and reach out.
Thanks Bonnie, we can all make a difference!
Cheers!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
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Keeping in Touch: Reaching out for the holidays |
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Reaching out for the holidays
