Giving Tuesday Local

Giving Tuesday is a growing tradition in this modern era when so many have so little, and so many of us have much to give. Most people I have spoken to about this have expressed a desire to participate and do good in the community. Waltham is overall a community of caring neighbours who choose to be positive forces each day. Today is a day we can all come together single-mindedly to bless ourselves and each other in the spirit of giving.

How do I give? Where do I start? These are two questions I have been asked during my research for this article. Even those of us who deeply desire to continue a sense of friendly karma may feel that the economy or personal finances will not allow for it. That is a valid concern that barricades some well-wishers from extending their intrinsic empathy and compassion.

I would like to disclose a phrase I picked up as a pouty teenager from an ancient pastor, who in one of his long monotone sermons, uttered three words that found their way into my ears while my eyes counted candles and red coats in my quest for an entertaining way to pass the time. These words were: TIME, TALENT, and TREASURE. These three guideposts have become a source of inspiration to me as an adult who has experienced phases of life in which I had, and did not have, some or all of these three ideals to share. I have also been blessed with the acceptance of other people's time, talent, and treasure. These three ways to lift me up were equally vital and appreciated, and I hope that as I contribute my time, talent, and treasure, the circle of community caring can overlap again and again.

Here are some ways you can share your time, talent, and treasure locally. I hope they inspire you to discover your individual gifts that you can share with your neighbours. We are all in this together, and I am proud to be together in Waltham with you.

TIME

Call local nursing homes for volunteer opportunities. Sitting with a resident, playing a game of gin rummy, reading out loud for an hour, playing piano in a common room; these are all ways you can share your time.

Local food banks continually need assistance stocking and sorting shelves.

Places of worship like to bring joyful decorations into their atmosphere. If you have a pick-up truck, you could deliver their order of wreaths and live plants from the nursery. Heavy lifting of menorahs and repetitive unboxing can be a physical strain; if you are healthy and fit, could you offer to help with the nitty gritty setup?

Is there a neighbor with small children, elderly issues, or recent turmoil who could use a little lift? How about raking leaves, mowing their lawn, sweeping their stairs? Or stop by with a batch of munchkins and a cup of coffee and invite your neighbor to chat.

TALENT

Do you have book-keeping, web design, or general computer skills? Check out local small businesses and non-profit organizations. Many have websites that could use some TLC, or do not have websites at all. It can be frustrating and overwhelming for people who are not computer literate to attempt technological changes.

Do you have skill with quilting, sewing, crochet, knitting, or other fiber arts? You could brainstorm ways to use this talent to share with the community. There are local groups who often meet in libraries and other public spaces to perform quiet activities with yarn together, and the products created can be donated to local shelters. Scarves, hats, and mittens are always needed. What a heart warming feeling to imagine someone who is cold enjoying the handmade goods. And what a heart warming feeling to imagine someone creating these winter necessities, which are now uniquely yours. This is a powerful connection!

Are you an artist? You could ask local family childcare centres if you could come by on a weekend and decorate their windows with washable paint or markers. You could also offer this at nursing homes, to brighten up interior windows in common areas like dining rooms and hallways. Festive colours and scenes make any place feel more homey.

TREASURE

Giving trees are trees that have cards attached with wish lists for children and families in our community. Local places of worship, like Our Lady's Church on Trapelo Road, diligently prepares their own giving tree to specifically bring joy to Waltham families in need of financial help this holiday season. The treasure of gift cards to local businesses can be donated. This would be a double giving of treasure, as the family who receives the precious gift will be able to use it to brighten up their individual celebrations, and the local business will benefit from the patronage. This is a circle of giving that makes our community connected.

The local bookstore, "More than Words," accepts cash donations. This non-profit gem provides BOOKS to our community, and is a bridge for young people who have experienced personal hardship, family strife, and homelessness. Supporting More than Words with a cash donation of any amount expands their ability to empower local teens who are desperate to shine in validation of their own strengths. You would be helping a business helping youth helping our community. Win-win-win.

Do you know of a local family who is going through a tough financial or emotional time? You could send a card, either signed or anonymously, with a gift card in it to a local restaurant. Or a gift card with a dollar sum for them to use anywhere. This act of kindness, and thoughtfulness, will touch the recipient, knowing that they are not forgotten. Together, we are stronger.

These are just some examples of ways you can participate in Giving Tuesday with your time, talent and treasure. I bet you can brainstorm and think of additional ways you could uniquely share your personal cache of time, talent, and treasure with our community. One person makes a difference. A community can make a miracle.

If you would like to share your experience with Giving Tuesday, please message me through my website.

Teamwork makes the dream work! Happy Giving Tuesday!