Three Easy Ways to Give This Season

It’s the holiday season already and we’ve put together a list of three easy ways to give back this season. It feels good to give.

1) Support the Troops

Because of recent mail restrictions over the past several years, sending homemade cookies, treats, or even a simple “Thank you” note is not that simple anymore. But troops coming off the plane, redeploying, or just signing up to serve still have very real and pressing needs that you can help to alleviate.

A monetary donation to any of these organizations can help troops receive the support they really need, and you can still communicate your patriotism and support – even if it isn’t home baked.

There is a listing of potential ways to support right at Military.com or by clicking directly here: http://www.military.com/spouse/military-life/military-resources/how-to-support-our-troops.html

2) Fill Your Local Food Bank

Across the nation, hunger can be a very real hidden struggle – affecting 1 in 6 of us at one time or another. Hunger is a silent, inescapable reality for many children and families this season, and all year round - -- but you can help.

It’s easy to find a local food bank and contact them for what they may need most.

Use this directory to find the nearest location:

http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx

3) Give a gift to children right here in the U.S.

There are over 500 American Indian Tribal Nations right here in the United States. Due to historical trauma, modern injustices, struggles, and personal addictions, many tribal areas are in desperate conditions that are the hardest hit in the entire country.

Show your neighbors support by spreading love where it is needed most this holiday season.

This is an updated post from "The Shack" ministry of Hayward Wesleyan church on the LCO reservation in Wisconsin ----

 
The Shack Christmas Celebration Gift Bags

Gifts for Youth on the LCO Ojibwe Reservation
(All Items Must Be New – Not Used.)
Due: Dec 10th (Party is on Dec 14th)

Items to place in every One-Gallon Zip-Lock Bag:

Every Bag
Toothbrush +Toothpaste
Travel Sized Shampoo
Unflavored Chapstick
Fun Sized Wrapped Candy
Lunch Size Bag of Chips OR Fruit Cup

Items to add to bag based on age:

Young Boy (2-8) Bag
Small Toy for Boys
Young Girl (2-8) Bag
Small Toy for Girls

Older Boy (9-16) Bag
1 Item $5 or less
Some suggestions (but feel free to pick something yourself): Football Cards, Deck of Playing Cards, Itunes Card ($5), Mint Gum

Older Girl (9-16) Bag
1 Item $5 or less
Some suggestions (but feel free to pick something yourself): Body Spray/Fragrance, Hair Ties + Plastic Hair Comb, Itunes Card ($5), Mint Gum

Send Bags To:

The Shack
In Care of Hayward Wesleyan Church
PO Box 507, Hayward, WI, 54843 OR
10655 Nyman Ave, Hayward, WI, 54843

 
Please mark on the bag with permanent marker which age group you are buying for.

The ministry says, “Last year we had over 100 bags (worth about $25 a pop). They were gone within the first 40 minutes. We’ve reduced the cost of the bags this year by shrinking the list so that we can have more bags to give away. Thank you for your participation!”

For more information on this particular ministry, and to find additional areas in need, check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WesleyanNativeMinistries.

Image credits: http://www.sxc.hu/profile/bjbdesigns, http://www.sxc.hu/profile/dlnny, http://www.sxc.hu/profile/ckforjc