Becoming Grateful Day 29: Give a Donation

GIVE A DONATION

This is the first year in a long time that I haven't gone out in the wee hours of the morning to hit the big sales with all the other sale-crazed Black Friday shoppers. Its true that I'm experience some symptoms of withdrawal, but when a baby keeps you up most nights, getting up at 3 or 4 am to save a few bucks doesn't seem  as appealing as it usually does.

But if you headed out as soon as the Thanksgiving meal was done to get your spot at Walmart and were out there trying to use a Grande Caramel Apple Cider as your only heating source, chances are you've come away with a big score. Good for you! (I'd like a mini Ipad too, but like I said, sleep is a far more precious commodity around here.) And chances are, you now have to find a place to temporarily store all the "stuff" for the next 26 days, and then find a permanent spot for it. It makes for a perfect time to de-clutter and go through what you have and don't need and donate it!
I always wanted clothes for Christmas when I was a teenager but it usually meant I had to give up some "oldies" but "goodies" that were in the back of my closet. In between setting up the tree, stringing the cranberries and popcorn, and hanging the wreath, take some time to go through some of your clothes or your children's toys and pass them onto someone else who could use them. It's always humbling to recognize the abundance you have compared to someone else who doesn't have as much. Take your children with you to drop off your donations. It's good for them to see where their toys are going and who they are helping. They will appreciate the experience and not just see it as having toys they sorta still like being taken away.

“Y

ou simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.  

                                                              -Sarah Ban Breathnach

Here is a list of a few places you can donate in the Salt Lake City area. This is the smallest list compared to so many places! As you go through your things, think about how much you are blessed with that you even have an opportunity to give to others. And the gratitude others will feel by receiving your gift is a wonderful expression to see.

Salvation Army - Salt Lake City
The Road Home
Deseret Industries
Junior League of SLC - Women Helping Women