At this time of year, as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, it just seems easier to remember those in need than at other times of the year.
In the U.S. a story recently surfaced about Good Samaritans who have been stopping in at stores to pay off strangers’ lay-a-way items, just in time for Christmas. One woman even handed out money and paid for shopping carts full of Christmas presents.
While that isn’t likely to happen at every story across the country, it’s nice to know some families will enjoy Christmas presents this year where they might have been forced to go without.
Every year when Christmas rolls around there seems to be a story or two involving acts of kindness, where someone went out of their way to make sure a stranger had a better Christmas than they might have had without a little help.
Southern Alberta has proven to be a hot bed of generosity over the years with many communities rallying to help those in need when tragedies have arisen. Even the simple act of donating to the local food bank can make a difference in the lives of families in need in our own communities.
The Kate Andrews High School is one example of how one idea can take off and generate thousands of dollars to help feed families in the community who may be struggling.
The school hosted a food drive this fall and collected over $6,000 worth of groceries for the Coaldale Food Bank.
Last week the school wrapped up its Teachers for Turkeys fundraiser and added over $5,000 more to their efforts this year for $11,000 in support. Students, staff and the community were involved, signing up to pledge teachers in a weight loss challenge which saw them lose 108 lbs. and help the food bank out at the same time.
In Picture Butte a host of volunteers spent Saturday morning putting together Christmas food hampers to be delivered throughout the region to families in need this holiday season.
It’s great to see these acts of charity in our communities and they are certainly to be commended but we need to foster the spirit of the season all year long. Families who are struggling in our communities, struggle all year, not just at Christmas time.
Much is written and reported in the news during the Christmas holidays about the generous nature of those who help out when times are tough or tragedy strikes.
There are a number of families in southern Alberta this holiday season who will be without loved ones due to traffic collisions, illness and even murder. It is a harsh reminder of just how tough life can be sometimes.
During this season of merriment let us not forget those who will find it difficult to find the joy in this Christmas season. Small acts of kindness this week and throughout the year will help those who are hurting to heal.