Christmas
The Giving Season
By
Sep 16, 2005, 01:39

(ARA) - Shopping, decorating, cooking -- as the holidays near, we’re all busy with our own preparations. But what about those less fortunate this season? When making your own holiday to-do list, put on some items that will benefit those people who may have to do without.
A holiday tree is the focal point of many homes, businesses and community facilities during the holidays. If you own wooded land, invest in a chainsaw and cut some trees for local charities, nursing homes and medical facilities. Don’t forget about greenery for wreaths and trim! Residents will appreciate the holiday cheer.

Are some of the tools in your shed a little outdated but still in good repair? If you’re considering upgrading some of your tools this year, donate older ones to local charities. A number of organizations will be grateful for a rake or a snow-shovel, while you can save your back and upgrade to a leaf blower or snow-blower attachment for your riding mower. If you have some time to give, haul your mower and attachments to the facilities and clear their driveways and walks for them.

Many local community centers put on holiday shows to celebrate the season and volunteers are often in short supply. Donate your time, and pack up your tools to help them build sets or decorate their buildings. Again, consider donating your old tools, but check all power cords and cables for breaks or fraying. Replace cords that are too damaged or perhaps simply upgrade to cordless equipment.

You may not have your own reindeer and sleigh, but you can still volunteer to bring gifts to needy children this year. Deliver gifts in style by hooking up a utility cart to your riding equipment. A John Deere green tractor would look festive with Santa’s red suit.

Still growing some blooms in your garden or transplanting some flowers indoors? As the seasons end, donate your extra blossoms to medical facilities or soup kitchens. Better yet, hand-deliver your plants, and stay to donate some time cheering up patients or preparing a meal.

Even if you don’t have the “white Christmas” of song, the cooler weather means it’s a good time to provide some regular maintenance or winterize equipment for storage. Give your machines a thorough cleaning, tune-up and damage inspection. Perhaps it’s time to upgrade to a new riding lawn mower, add a utility vehicle or even a compact utility tractor. Make a tax-deductible gift of your old machine to a local non-profit organization after you’re certain it’s in good working order. Many groups would welcome your equipment.

When all the gifts are exchanged this year, take some joy in knowing that your gifts of time, talent and equipment will be remembered and appreciated long after the holiday season is over. Courtesy of ARA Content




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