Christmas giving... all year round

Today is my day to work at the clothing room of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. It's actually a 500 sq foot foyer in a tiny former chapel next to St. Joseph's High School here in Edmonton (the nave is where we store donated furniture and household items that we can deliver to those in need). The clothing room offers free clothing items to newcomers, people living below the poverty line, the homeless... anyone, really, but we exist mainly to help those who can't afford to shop for the basics (see here.)

Often when we get to these dark December days, we find ourselves struggling to keep up with the demand for almost everything winter-wear related, but especially men's and boys' clothing, specifically long underwear and socks. And I'm sure there are many other charitable agencies who are lacking specific necessities on any date you care to choose.

So here's the challenge: if you have a life of "enough" (or perhaps a bit too much), choose a charity in your neighbourhood and give them a call. Find out what they need, and do a little Christmas shopping for them. And consider doing it in January and February, too, when the Christmas giving campaigns are no longer in the news, or maybe even July and August. Again, better than investing in an ugly tie or a box of chocolates!