Give encouragement

Presents for Christmas.

Are you ready for Christmas? That is the question we hear all the time these days – in line at the store, talking to friends on the phone, just about anywhere. What they mean, of course, is do we have the house decorated for the holidays, have we got Christmas dinner planned, and especially, do we have all our gift shopping done. For many people the gifts they give and hope to get on Christmas is what is important.

We try to focus on the real spirit of the season and give to those who are in need. Local service organizations, churches and the like all need our donations to be able to keep providing the help and services that they offer. They may utilize volunteer workers, but fuel, food and supplies are expensive. And it seems like things are always going up. In that light monetary donations are greatly needed as well as the workers who volunteer their time.

Volunteering is the gift of time. There are many ways to volunteer right here in Tehama County. One could be involved in a service club. There are several to choose from, all with their different focuses. There are youth organizations, after-school clubs, sports teams, a child’s or grandchild’s school classroom and other school functions, all which need volunteer help.

Nearly all churches function in a large part through the efforts of volunteers. They may have a paid pastor and one or two paid staff positions, but it’s the volunteer workers that make the difference. There are a number of local programs that work with the homeless and others less fortunate. These programs are almost entirely run by volunteers.

There are senior citizen services that are always looking for people to help. The activities range from taking seniors shopping, to the doctor or providing free services such as tax preparation or legal advice.

And we don’t necessarily have to formally volunteer or donate to an established cause. It’s just as important to help our neighbor in need. Take a casserole or some cookies to someone who could use a little help in food preparation. Visit a disabled person who has trouble getting out but would like some company. Offer to do childcare for a single parent.

A husband and wife working together to help others brings an increased sense of togetherness as a side benefit. It is also good to involve children in volunteer activities. This gives them an awareness of others and the ability to emphasize with those in need. The experience can be life-changing for those who receive the help as well as those providing the help.

There was even a time when all the neighbors worked together to get the harvest in. It was too big a job for any one person to do, but by working together they could get everyone’s land harvested in time. It’s the same thing today. There are a lot of needs in Tehama County, and working together we can meet them.

Whether it is time, money, a few kind words or a helping hand, the gift of encouragement is something that will mean a lot to the one receiving it. Make a difference today by having a giving attitude, not a getting attitude.