Give with an open heart
Every little bit helps and that many small contributions add up to big changes.
With what some people call the silly season well under way, and people hustling from one shop to another to get their Christmas shopping done, filling their bags to capacity, one cannot help but wonder how many think about those who don’t have while on these sprees?
How about you just take a minute when loading your trolley or basket – think about empty food cupboards, children with no expectations of a Christmas gift and add that to your trolley – even those working with animals who will have to deal with many stray pets over the festive season.
Make contact with the charities in your community, find out about their immediate needs and their Christmas wish lists and then add some giving to your shopping list.
In writing this a couple of these organisations immediately come to mind. In Alberton we have AMCARE, Stepping Stone Hospice, Christian Social Council, Ligstad and the Alberton SPCA.
Moving on to Johannesburg South, St Mary’s Children’s Home, Door of Hope, Nkosi’s Haven and the likes and Abraham Kriel Children’s Home a little further south, are but four of the many. And don’t forget about the Johannesburg SPCA and Animal Anti-Cruelty League. All of these are running some kind of drive – whether it be Christmas food hampers, gifts for children of different ages, nappies, formula milk and other baby goods, animal blankets and dog or cat food.
Today, my wish is that when we make our lists, we will add one or two of these organisations to our lists – that we will find it in ourselves to give with open hearts and make the hands of those working in these organisations lighter in providing for those less fortunate over this festive season.
You can contact these organisations at the following numbers:
AMCARE – 011-869-5856
Stepping Stone Hospice – 087 997 0222
Christian Social Council – 011 907 2922
Ligstad – 079 693 3666
Alberton SPCA – 011 907 1568
St Mary’s Children’s Home – 011 435 3820
Door of Hope – 011 432 2913
Abraham Kriel Children’s Home – 011 839 3058 / 3060
Nkosi’s Haven 011 942 5580.
Johannesburg SPCA – 011 681 3600
AACL – Tel: 011 435 0672
Let us remember that every little bit helps and that many small contributions add up to big changes. Don’t wait for somebody else to act, because if everybody waits for somebody to do it, nobody will – act now and give with open hearts.
Editor
