You hear repeatedly what a mess this country is in, how mankind treats their fellow man, and the lack of morals (and on and on and on). What gets me is that things will not change unless we change it. Yes, we all have the responsibility of our daily lives and our family. People do tend to be more giving at Christmas time but you can continue to give through out the year. If we want this to be a better place for our children, then we have to start making a positive change in this world.

Our children are bombarded with violence, sadness, prejudice (from the color of the skin, to being different in school, having special needs, etc.) sex, drugs, and the overall bad of this world on a daily basis. It is up to us to share with them understanding, compassion, and the care of our fellow man. I hope this new year will bring, more acts of giving, love and kindness to our fellow man. Do not make this a once a year thing. It could start once a month, weekly and daily before long.

Step out of our comfort zone and help someone that we would not normally help. Maybe you can make a small difference.

You can purchase items for children in foster care such as school supplies, luggage or duffel bags, etc. (This is a great need. Most children move around with most of their belongs in garbage bags.).

You can also donate items to a women’s shelter, homeless shelter, animal shelter, nursing homes, and children’s hospitals. This does not have to cost a lot of money to help a Women’s and homeless shelter you could purchase as little as toiletries, items for children, or give good condition used coats or clothing. For animal shelters you could save newspapers, towels, purchase food, toys, litter, etc.. Nursing homes could use magazines, books and you could purchase craft items, yarn, plants for residents rooms. For children’s hospitals, you can purchase or donate good condition used items such as video games, video consoles, books, toys, movies, portable cd players, music cds, etc.. You can also donate your time at any on these places.

As my dad likes to tell me, “You cannot save the world, Lanette.” But as he has taught me that I sure can help make a differences even one person and one deed at a time.

I hope this new year that we will all take a moment to think of a way to make a difference in our world. Inspire your family and friends to also make a differences along with you. Imagine what a different world this would be if we could all make a choice to help others in need.


"To reach a port we must sail, sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it. But we must not drift or lie at anchor."
Oliver Wendell Holmes