No, I don't mean that literally, I'd like to say that I'm pretty great without him, and that I've got my own ways of giving back... But still.
I'll explain what the hell I'm talking about. This holiday season I've been more charitable than past years. I think it is because I actually have the money to this year. Last year I was so down on my coin that I made all my friends their gifts. This year I did it again, because I loved it, but this time, with the money I've saved, I've managed to give Christmas cheer to more people. I've got a better job and I spend less (arguable) money on myself and stupid things this year.
Hmmm... Maybe we should fast forward to a few weeks ago. I was walking through the union building at WSU when a hot coco machine caught my eye (best marketing tool ever). I stopped for a cup, knowing that you don't actually have to do whatever the hell those tables always want you to do. As I was pooring, I felt bad that I didn't even inquire as to why I'm getting this delicious free coco. Then I inquired as to why I was getting the delicious free coco. It turns out that the lovely people behind that purple table were promoting something called "the Angel Tree Program." Not unlike the "Giving Tree" where you take a paper flyer-ornament-thing (has the name of a child, age, and sizes, along with their wants and needs for Christmas). Anyway, you pick one and buy a gift for a needy child that would otherwise have nothing under the tree. I took two. I knew that I could afford it this year.
When I told my mother about it, she offered to help pay for it. She bought the clothes, and I bought the toys. This was cool because I was only planning on buying the toys. Anyway, on my way to the station the other day, it occurred to me that maybe we were only supposed to buy one of the gifts... As it was after Student Involvement Office hours, I consulted the inanimate "Angel Tree." Because the tree doesn't speak, it answered no questions. Instead, I picked up another child. I went shopping for them today. While out, I came across a blanket for a good price. It was so warm and fuzzy. I remembered that there was a child that needed a blanket on the tree. I bought the blanket. I get to take the last two children's gifts in tomorrow; I already took in my first two this afternoon.
This is all so helpful! I love it!
In addition to that, I donated 20 of my pay check to something about warming the soles of children (there was a shoe involved on the design of the flyer)... I wasn't exactly sure what it was, but it is all for a good cause!
No, I am not trying to toot my own horn, but I am trying to toot a Horn. Every time I donate, I think of Taylor Dewey Horn. He is so selfless. He is amazing and thoughtful; he is caring and giving. He will one day save this world from the thing it has become. It all starts with just knowing him. I have someone that I care because of. I hope that we've all got someone like that. Someone that makes us stronger and nicer and kinder and just all around better people.
Go out of your way to give someone else a Christmas this year. Please.
