With the holidays upon us, and consumers flooding shopping malls, searching earnestly for that perfect gift, you have surely come face-to-face with the red Salvation Army kettles and the bell clad volunteers that tirelessly ring and sing to strangers who pass. You may have slipped some coins in the the kettle, or perhaps even a bill or two, while exchanging brief pleasantries with an the bell ringer. You might have felt that pang of guilt about not giving enough, or felt uneasy about that excessively priced gift you are about to wrap and place under the tree for a loved one. One doesn't need a sociology degree to understand that giving to those who are less fortunate than ourselves should really be required of us, not just suggested. There's no way you're going to solve world hunger and poverty in a weekend, but you if you look around your community, there are causes every where you look. Poverty, illiteracy, homelessness, drug addiction, abuse, our abuse, the inequality of society creates all sorts of issues. And it is our responsibility to take care of those who slip through the cracks. Here are a few ways that you can help those in your community who need it most.
Gather your family, friends and neighbors together and have a block clothing drive. For the northern hemisphere, December is a cold month, any many shelters are chaotic as homeless individuals come off the street in search of a warm place to sleep. Items like warm and waterproof coats, long underwear, warm hats, boots, blankets and sleeping bags are often scarce, and desperately needed. Have a little friendly competition between your neighbors and see how many articles you can gather. Then take them all down to a local shelter. 
Feed the hungry. While we all sit around the table stuffing ourselves to the brim with turkey, there are those that have little more then a few scraps. Those are only slightly more fortunate have bare cupboards, can you imagine, not having enough to eat. Supplies at your local food bank will be very low, and in need of constant replenishment. Go around to your co-workers, friends, or classmates and put together cartons of food to deliver to the food banks. Non-perishables like cans of soup, beans, and fruit are all the most useful. But many food banks also have a fresh produce section that provides fresh milk, fruits, and vegetables.
Send Your Thanks Overseas. This is a very difficult time of year for soldiers overseas on endless tours of duty in unforgivable lands. There are several organizations that send letters, care packages and messages of support to give thanks for their dedication, sacrifices and bravery. You can help the soldiers by helping their families. We often forget that why our soldiers are away, their families are raising children on minimal resources. Donations of clothing, toys, food and money are greatly appreciated, and by donating, you too can be of service to your country. 
Lend an Ear to the Elderly. Not everyone is as fortunate as those of us who will celebrate Christmas with our families. Nursing homes can be a very sad and lonely place for those who either have no family, or their families are too far away to spend Christmas with them. Phone or visit a nursing home in your area and find out what sort of items are needed. Better yet, set some time aside and go spend some quality time with some wonderful elderly patients. They often just want to sit and chat, and have someone listen. Our elders hold the key to our past, and much can be learned from their wisdom. Don't let them spend the holidays on their own.
