Happy Holy Days

Artist:  Simon Dewey

One of the most wonderful things about the Holiday Season is that our thoughts tend to turn outward.  We begin to look for ways to do for others by giving gifts both tangible and those not so tangible.  Most of our gift giving comes from the heart in one way or another, our desire to make another happy and know of the love we have for them.  In YW, we begin to think of Service Projects to help our girls understand the blessings they enjoy and the blessing of giving of self.

1.  Check with the local homeless shelter.  Many serve Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners and often more than one.  Often, a youth can serve dinner and not miss their own family tradition.  Many of my YW who have participated in this over the years, found it very rewarding.

2.  The Salvation Army often has holiday dinners and needs volunteers for serving and decorating.

3.  The United Way and local food banks ALWAYS needs their stocks replenished and never more than at the holidays.

4.  Invite a couple of military men, far from home, to your home.   Check with the Armed Services YMCA to have a sailor, Marine, or soldier with you for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.


5.  The local Parks and Recreation Department in your area may have some holiday crafting and get-togethers for children during the holidays and can use extra hands.

6.  Adopt-a-Family through your Ward or city Volunteer Agency.

7.  Help collect for the local Toy Drive.

8.  The local Ronald McDonald House will have something special for pediatric patients at Christmas and will need volunteers.

9.  The American Red Cross is gathering cards for their "Holiday Mail for Heroes" project to distribute cards to servicemen and veterans.  (Must be postmarked no later than Dec. 10.  Check out redcross.org for more info.

10.  There are many ways to volunteer during the holiday.  Your Bishop certainly knows of families in need at Christmas.  For community opportunities, just Google "volunteer opportunities" and the name of your city or larger local community.

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me."  Matt 25:40