Giving Back

This time of year, everyone starts to give a little more thought to giving of themselves. Giving back to their community, donating to those in need, etc. While I wish this generosity lasted past December a little more frequently, any help you can give to those around you is worth the effort. Everyone knows about donating to Toys for Tots, volunteering your time at a soup kitchen or shelter, etc. There are a few lesser known causes that I think are worth your attention.


While media coverage of what is going on "over there" may be dying down, and much of the general population believes the war is "over" and all the men and women of the military are home safe now, that's just not the case. And because there is still a war, and people are still being sent over to fight it, that brings about some of them coming home hurt. When an injured Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine come back to states, they don't generally go home. Many if not most of them go to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Much of the time, their families simply cannot be there with them, due to lack of living arrangements, not wanting to uproot children, etc. So, if you're the Christmas card sending type, this year consider writing out one extra...not necessarily a "thanks for your service" type card, just a happy holidays...and send it to this address:

A Recovering American Soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue

NW Washington, DC 20307-5001

Another cause that often gets overlooked is animals. There are far too many animals living in shelters these days. Consider going to your local humane society or similar facility and donating time, money, or even things the animals would need, such as toys, food, treats, blankets, etc. I realize not everyone puts as much value on animals as I do, but they have needs as well, and all too often shelters aren't able to provide everything for them. Even if you just go buy a box of milkbones or a squeaky ball, it'll make a difference in an animal's life.