Gifts That Keep Giving

During the holidays, ideas for gift giving are everywhere. This year consider giving gifts of time and effort instead of the latest fad and fancy.

• Spend time with someone you rarely visit.
• Write letters and notes to people you think of but never contact.
• Give a hug to someone who least expects it.
• Do an act of kindness to a neighbor you hardly know.
• Take a meal to someone or bring that someone to your home for a meal.
• Express your appreciation to someone you have taken for granted.
• Provide transportation to someone in need.
• Speak kindly to a stranger.
• Offer to baby-sit for a couple so they can do their holiday shopping.
• Invite a single parent and his/her children to dinner.

The needs are everywhere. Listen to people around you and hear their unspoken needs; then find a way to unexpectedly meet that need. As the giver, you will become the receiver when you give someone else a gift symbolizing hope.

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