I wrote about the Food Banks last year … and now we need to
remember once again … if we haven’t been able to help a little every month, or
hopefully every week since November last year … it’s time for a re-set now!
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| Help others ... |
Having just re-read my post last November – I have to say I
found it quite illuminating … so I won’t repeat myself … except to say if youhave a chance please revisit.
MJ Joachim, from the excellently named blog “Effectively Human”is hosting this event … and has asked that we join her in the 2nd
annual holiday food drive. It’s so sad
to think that last year Tina was with us … supporting and guiding us along our
blogging journeys – and this one she was co-hosting.
So – pretty please:
- donate to your local food banks …
- give to your church for their distribution to the needy …
- take care of the elderly, disabled or ill around your way …
- smile as we are out and about ...
- open doors for others ...
- be patient at all times ...
- count our blessings, and join Bish at...
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| Says it all ... |
Thankful Thursdays on the Random Thoughts blog – Bish has
started a new linky list for Thankful Thursdays … seems like an excellent idea …
I shall be over commenting and thinking about everyone’s entries in the coming
year …
Rosey of Mail4Rosey commented “You’ve made me think too …
today’s the perfect day before Thanksgiving here, and the kids are off
school. There is ZERO reason why we can’t
gather up a car load of food and take it to the shelter or food pantry.” Now it's our turn …
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| Lenny's sunshine |
No excuses please … JUST DO IT!
Guess who has just posted:
that critter lover – the young man, Lenny, with some Master facts aboutChristmas … he’d love a visit: he loves company …
Another thought – visit those blogging friends who need our
support: remember them …
Helping the Poor – these two ideas came from shopkeeper Mr
Turner, of East Hoathly in East Sussex, in the 1700s:
His Saint’s day, which happens to be just before Christmas:
St Thomas Day 22nd December: I gave
30 poor people a penny each and a drink of beer.
On his birthday in June … My birthday: I
treated my scholars to a drink of beer.
(Perhaps that’s something we should not encourage … but a gift
on our birthday and on our saint’s day to the needy in our area – definitely a
good thought – n’est pas?!)
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| c/o Entyce Creative Give Tins Instead of Tinsel |
In advance ... thanks to you all for doing your bit and helping others ... and thanks MJ for making sure this is annual Holiday Food Drive gets spread around the blogosphere ...
So as I suggested last year ... with Christmas a-coming and New Year nearly upon us ... let's see if we can, on a monthly basis, help others .. thank you
PS could everyone please spread by those birdie thingies (tweets), FB link ups et al ... another thank you!!
Many thanks ...
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
62 comments:
I was thinking when I started reading that your last post on this prompted our family to make an impromptu visit to the food bank (and then you wrote that, ha!). :) I'm guessing we were not the only ones inspired to move by your words. Donating food is an easy way to help!! Everyone should do it. :)
I try to give where I can - we all have a responsibility to help people in need. Thank you for this post.
What a great reminder. When I was first married, I had to go to the food bank a few times. I am so thankful for the lovely donations.
Although I am Jewish I know that this is still a time for giving. In fact many Jewish people do voluntary shifts in hospitals over Christmas to relieve staff who want the time off. It can never be a bad thing to give either materially or of one's time (plus it has been scientifically proved that it makes one live longer!)
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi Hilary, love the post! Our church has a Mercy Warehouse that gives food and such to locals as well as sends it around the world when there is a big natural disaster. We've helped with when it was getting off the ground.
So much waste. It's estimated up to half the food grown and processed in the US is wasted somewhere down the line. We need to do a better job at not only stewarding food production but at getting what would otherwise be wasted into the hands of those who are hungry.
Raising awareness and sharing concrete facts is vital to our mission. Thank you so much, Hilary for this informative and very inspiring post. As I'm hopping around visiting folks, I read a post by Ann Hinds about starving people in Tennessee. Poverty and hunger are everywhere, so anything we can do to help raise awareness and fill the food bank shelves is a very worthy effort, one that will undoubtedly help a lot of people. Thanks to all who participate and do their best to make a difference! Sincerely, M. J.
Gratitude and sharing of whatever we may have, little or not, is what makes our lives worth while.
It heartbreaking and also so very difficult to comprehend that poverty and hunger still exist in this wealthy nation.
I have been touched by the people of Bakersfield, California, that I see on the local news. Not a day goes by without some event going on to help the needy down there. And up here on the mountain, people are stocking up the shelves in the Salvation Army shop with all kinds of food. Small town people and their kind spirits has been a great inspiration since I moved up here.
Thank you M. J. for doing this and Hilary for this great reminder.
Our food bank is the reason some of our kids eat. So important.
thanks for the good reminders. :)
Most important topic/action this time of the year, and throughout. My husband has run the local food bank for years, and the work is never done. While everyone feels generous at this time, needs remain throughout the year. So, better sign up to help the local food bank and see what you can do all year long to solicit funds and resources, to educate the public, to establish lines of communication with other agencies so services are seemless.
We're giving to our church and helping with the distribution for an annual event.
It's so important to share, not just this time of year, but all year round. You're a very good person Hilary.
@ Rosey - you did comment on my previous 'announcing' post .. had to put your comment in! Thanks - and for all the litter picking you do too ..
@ Annalisa - that's great .. and the Cornish villages and towns are really suffering at the moment.
@ Clarissa - it's so good to know you've used and benefitted from a food bank - and now I'm sure you do what you can ...
@ Bazza - I imagine that happens .. though I hadn't been aware of it - I'm just grateful people are so generous with their time. Yes I think you're right (as too the scientists) that giving benefits all of us ...
@ Stephen - I remember you give to your church warehouse for your local needy, as too those in dire need at times of disasters.
I agree - we could cut out waste .. the shops could do something - it is happening here ... but we have Health and Safety issues ... understandable but a pain .. common sense would help! I was going to add in about not overeating etc ... another post at some time perhaps ...
@ MJ - thanks for putting this on for us. I must try and find your other participants .. I'll check your post and they should be there - and Ann Hinds too.
Yes I'm sure we all give thanks to all of us who give around the world for people, especially at this time of year ...
@ Inger - you've said it right and yes, isn't it sad that we still have poverty and hunger, and many who are unsympathetic.
I'm so pleased Bakersfield has been so good to you and to their needy friends in town ... while the Salvation Army is garnering donations from the mountain folk, ready for the really cold weather, or Christmas time ...
@ Teresa - I'm sure that's the same here ... so important as you mention.
@ TWG - it is good to be reminded ...
@ Rosaria - your husband must be a 'star' in your neighbourhood - and I'm sure the work is never done ... as you say the needs are there twelve months a year ...
Thanks such a good summary of the work a food bank does ... great to read and I applaud your husband and you for making it possible.
@ Alex - I knew you would be out there looking out for others ...
@ Murees - as you say .. it's all the year round ..
Thanks everyone - I know you'll all be doing your bit and encouraging family and friends to do likewise ... lovely interactive comments - cheers Hilary
Hilary, here's the link to the actual event:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/c8iogfhhl2ks2lp949i7o0n7osg
And here's the link to the community where I'm sharing links, including yours and Ann's.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/103208137431543384572
I'm preparing to post on the EH blog now - might take me a few minutes...sort of got lost in the research this morning, so much info out there to study and prepare for my post. Thanks for all your support in this. I do appreciate you, dear lady :)
Thank you for the reminder Hilary - I must go and see where our local Food Bank is - I'll go tomorrow.
Fil
Okay, first of all this is a very important post and it fits you to a tee...thinking about others!!!
Yes, I support our food bank and other ways to assist those in live in my town and in the world.
I must admit my favorite part of this post was this line: "PS could everyone please spread by those birdie thingies (tweets), FB link ups et al ... another thank you!!" I loved it because you made me smile and that is gift in itself:~)
Those are wonderful reminders that we should try to do every day, or as often as possible.
You are such a joy, Hil. And a sweetheart!
Comments from other bloggers are usually encouraging, but you go out of your way to make blogging a true joy, Ms. Hilary. Thanks for visiting.
I will do that birdie thing you suggested to help spread the word and buy extra stuff next shopping trip to donate to the local food bank, not just food but paper products too. Who doesn't need toilet paper?
I always donate to food banks to show my gratitude for the food given to us when X was in graduate school and Favorite Young Man was a baby.They kept us from going hungry.
Love,
Janie
I was just over at M.J. J's blog. The numbers are confusing but I do get the idea. We all have to remember that we are given bounty to share with those who have not been given.
It really is a wonderful effort. Thanks to all of you taking part. Afraid I had to back out.
food banks are really thrive this time of year! love the support :D
@ MJ - well done for putting this on for us - thank you so much. I hope I'll get round to see everyone ..
@ Fil - that's great and they'll appreciate your support.
@ Sara - good to see you, and you're right it is an important need particularly at this time of year.
I think we all do things in our own way .. but food banks seem to always need top ups and I'd hate to think of people going hungry ...
Well you know me well - I'm useless at the birdie thing! let alone the G+ thingie .. I was smiling when I wrote it - so the smiling gift spread .. thanks!
@ Chris - delighted the reminders rang some bells for you and you'll be joining us ...
@ Suze - many thanks ... appreciate your thoughts ...
@ W2W - lovely and thank you - I try to add a little to the post/ conversation. Yes even toilet paper is needed .. all basics are necessary, food particularly - and thank you for doing the birdie thing!
@ Janie - that's so good to know you were helped through the food banks and you never went hungry ... and so pleased you're remembering and giving now ...
@ Munir - numbers always confuse .. we just know people are hungry and as you kindly say we need to share
@ Jo - I hope it's spreading .. not being on social media I lose track - but knew this was essential post to write and join in with. Sorry you had to pull out.
@ Tammy - thankfully they do thrive at this time of year .. and it looks like we're getting lots of support ..
Cheers everyone and thank you so much for joining MJ in remembering to give to food banks, I'm sure we've made some people's lives easier. Hilary
You have such an interesting blog. Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading your posts. All the best for your future blogging journey.
Thanks as always for your support, Hilary, hard at times but I keep going.
As I read all these comments, I realize our efforts are making an impact far beyond the web. Thank you, everyone for being so kind and generous and taking part in this very special annual event! Your encouragement and support is very much appreciated! M. J.
I liked the reminder about smiling and looking out for our neighbours - of course there are people in need of practical help such as food donations, but we shouldn't forget those whose needs are less tangible. A smile and few words exchanged with a lonely person could make a difference to their day.
Hilary, I too try to do everything you have mentioned, all year round. I do not do enough but even the little bit I do makes me a happier person.
An important reminder that we should all try and help others whenever we can. Thanks for another thoughtful post, Hilary.
Shall do Hilary, it's a riot! Would make an excellent short story, thinking of submitting it to a magazine 😼
What an inspirational post. Will do and I also like that the idea of Thankful Thurdays to be aware how blessed we are
What a beautiful reminder, Hilary. A lot of people feel moved to help feed the hungry in December, but then forget all about them once the month and the feelings of peace-and-goodwill pass. Food banks... and the hungry... need our support all year 'round. Thank you and M.J. for helping to point that out so well.
We don't have food banks here, but charitable organizations that need donations. Thanks for the reminder, Hilary.
I live in a small town, but one very active in the local food bank, as well as sharing trees for Christmas gifts and other gift-giving community events, and donations for heat assistance. I love this town for the compassion they show community members. I'm proud to participate.
A fantastic reminder. I give when I can. Right now my son's school is having a Furry Friend Food Drive. :) Have a lovely weekend.
What a great post! I love the positive reminders for all of us. I will be donating to my local food bank next week!
Jess
Such a wonderful post and reminder! Both kids' schools had food drives before Thanksgiving and we are doing another one before their winter break. It's inspirational to see the cans and boxes pile up and know they are going to help our community. Awesome!
An excellent reminder Hiliary....
@ Sridar - glad you enjoy reading the posts - thank you.
@ Carole - good to see you and I know you've a lot on your plate - all the best
@ MJ - thanks for promoting and reminding us that we always need to contribute to our local communities - it's good to be a part of ...
@ Patsy - yes we can sometimes forget our neighbours can't we and then remembering to smile - such a simple thing. Appreciate you being here.
@ Beste - that's great ... yes I'm sure many of us help during the year - and as you mention there's always more to do .. but helping others does help us too ..
@ Suzanne - we can so easily forget others can't we - but I'm sure we all help out where we can ... thanks
@ Carole - it sounded funny - so give it a go and submit your story ..
@ Marja - glad you like the idea of Bish's "Thankful Thursday" .. enjoy it as I hope you've joined ... and thank you for visiting ..
@ Susan - unfortunately we can forget during the year ... MJ's doing a great job with her 3 day promotion .. I'm sure many reminders are flooding across the internet ...
@ Joy - it's good to see you've got charitable organisations, who are always happy to take in donations ...
@ Debi - your town sounds amazing and very proactive in helping others ... what a lovely caring place to live. They do sound very compassionate for other community members .. that's lovely and I'm sure you're proud to join in ..
@ Jess - good to meet you .. and am glad the positive reminders rang true. Good to know you'll be donating to the your food bank next week - thanks
@ Lisa - how lovely that the kids and schools are helping out .. the schools do lead don't they; that's great everyone is helping the community around them ...
@ Paula - thanks .. good to see you ..
Cheers everyone - thanks so much for your visits .. all the best Hilary
I love the idea of this blog hop. Every little thing can help. Have a lovely weekend.
Hilary, I think it becomes more and more important to help others as times seem to be getting worse for many people. No matter where we live, there are plenty of opportunities to give to others.
And thanks again for caring what happened to me during the vicious storms in Brisbane. Plenty more on the way apparently.
Thanks for giving us all a nudge.
Denise :)
Thanks for you comments on my blog. I read this post yesterday and tweeted it. I think that M.J.'s idea can and will make a difference and I am glad to be a part of it. Now, I am going to go and read your other posts.
This is such an important message at this time of the year. Thanks.
Greetings from London.
This is such a wonderful bloghop! We donate monthly to a local food bank, and are happy to help! I'm sure this hop will inspire more people to do the same. Thanks for always thinking of others, Hilary!
Julie
@ Vanessa - it's a good reminder isn't it - when Tina and MJ did it last year the blog-hop jog helped many of us to give that little more or just give ..
@ Denise - unfortunately we do seem to be in a worse situation than we were a year ago. There's always ways to help people of all ages with food, ideas etc ..
Those Brisbane storms sounded and looked very frightening .. just glad you escaped relatively unscathed --- but there will be plenty of people who need that extra help and I know you'll do your bit.
@ Ann- thanks for coming by and connecting. I'm no good at tweeting .. I expect one day I'll get there. The concept and reminder at the holiday season does seem to catch on ...
@ ACL - it's an essential message isn't it .. and I'm sure London has many places with food banks, refuges etc and et al ..
@ Julie - Thanks Julie - I'm sure you'll be doing your bit .. and do that bit extra at this time of year ..
This is great everyone .. this outreach by MJ and all of you who've tweeted, and those who have commented here will help a few extra this winter and seasonal time .. thanks - Hilary
Hi Hilary, your post is a very good and timely reminder about those we should be thinking of at this time of year. We don't do all that much about Christmas here as Sinterklaas takes more precedence, but with the cold coming, there are plenty of those who need some generosity of spirit. Thank you for the good ideas here!
No day should a child be hungry in our countries -- but especially during the holidays.
Life could push any of us onto the streets with a series of misfortunes, and we might well find ourselves hungry. We would appreciate the kindness of strangers mightily then.
Tina was a special lady -- and to be remembered as a leader in compassion is a rare legacy.
Will be doing what I can this holiday season. It's a crime that anyone should ever go hungry!
Thanks for sharing my Thankful Thursday hop! I hope others will join me in being thankful for every little thing we have.
@ Val - thanks that's good to remember all the struggling peoples of our own nations ... SinterKlaas seems a wonderful kindred spirit at Christmas time.
@ Roland - you've said it right - no child should be hungry, cold or need clothes in our first world countries.
We just don't know do we .. which way and where we'll end up - as you fully are aware.
Tina was amazing wasn't she .. "a leader in compassion is a rare legacy" .. so difficult for her family.
@ Bish - that's great .. it is as you say a crime that any of us in the western countries should be in need of food.
Pleasure Bish re your Thankful Thursdays and I hope more will sign up ..
Thank you so much everyone and I know you'll all be out there helping others at this time of year .. Hilary
A good reminder to remember those less fortunate. Thank you Hilary.
I'm late in signing up--one of my kids had the nerve to plan a wedding for this month--but I'm definitely doing it.
Read your Nov. post and did find it ILLUMINATING! :-)
This Christmas my husband and I and family are donating our money and efforts to Bucerias' Children of the Dump. We're cooking hot dogs on the beach, playing games, taking donations, giving the children each a gift, and did I mention sweating? It'll be fun, I know.
Thinking of you and your winter bliss, Hilary.
You are so right - we need to help on a regular basis. My husband commented years ago how many often give just around the holidays, but people have needs year round, and we cannot forget that. Thanks for sharing this post, Hilary! Hopping over to Lenny's now.
Have a great week! :)
Thanks for the reminder! Very important to help out how and when we can!
@ Lynn - yes .. and I'm sure you do your bit and will do more at this time of year.
@ Lee - that's a bit much planning a wedding that interferes with mother's plans - going off on a long plane journey too isn't helpful, except for the relaxation it'll give you!! Delighted you're joining MJ and us all in the Emergency Food Drive ... thanks for the thumbs up ...
@ Joylene - that sounds amazing for those children - they'll have something to remember for many a year. What a lovely idea all of you giving, helping and sharing with the local Children's charity.
Sweating on the beach - you will be .. but what a lovely gesture and thought ... it will make so many happy. I shall definitely be thinking of you and your sunny bliss!
@ Karen - it is remembering on that regular basis isn't it .. and we do do things at the holiday season, but for the other months we tend to forget.
Lenny will be chuffed to see you ...
@ Joshua - that's great ... how and when we can - give to others ..
Thanks everyone - lovely to know so many are joining in .. and MJ has really done us proud keeping this holiday giving fest going in Tina's name .. cheers Hilary
I give regular donations to charity, but my 'out there in the world' work relates to helping animals. :) It's so very rewarding!
This was a great post, full of so many ideas for ways to help others!
Hi Trisha ... yes I do too .. but we can all do that little extra to help those who are in desperate need at this time of year ... and helping animals is also essential .. they get the worst of it often.
Glad you found the other thoughts useful too .. cheers Hilary
This reminder has me thinking about the poor Latino community just a few miles away. I know there must be a food bank somewhere, and now I'm determined to find it. Thanks, Hilary!
Hi Sharon .. that's great .. and I'm sure the Latino community will be grateful to have some extras via the local food bank .. thanks - cheers Hilary
We belong to a church that has a huge mission to feed the underprivileged - I am happy to be a part of it. We bring in food for Thanksgiving and Christmas and also buy lots of presents for families in need.
Hi Sandie .. thanks .. I'm sure you give and help others who need food and are underprivileged ... helping others is the best thing that we can do ... with thoughts - Hilary
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