This past Saturday, I attended the TINY TUMMIES HOLIDAY BIZAAR in my hometown and offered all my Christmas book titles for sale.
I did remarkably well, but that isn’t what this post is about.
With the holiday season approaching ( rapidly!) you are seeing more and more requests for donations to food banks, community kitchens, the Salvation Army, and any number of charity organizations that help feed people with food disparity issues.
FEEDING TINY TUMMIES is such an organization in my town.
“Feeding Tiny Tummies, A 501c3 Non-Profit program to fight against childhood hunger that works with local schools in Cheshire and Sullivan County, NH, to provide meals to children weekly, during school breaks, and summers away from school. We also have open hours to our community 2 days a week for 2 hours each. 3 towns also pick up from us to distribute within the town to those in need. Community Volunteers fill bags that are being delivered to schools in 14 locations and 2 elderly complexes. Each Volunteer donates 2-4 hours on average each week.
We’re feeding their tummies, but the difference between this program and any other program along with food that goes home with children, we always include an academic item, whether it’s activity pages and crayons, a book to read, or a family engagement activity,” Because we feed their tummies and the minds of our next generation!”
We need to remember it’s just not food that families who are struggling with, financially, need. The fact TT gives educational items to families as well as food is just heartwarming to me. Feed their minds and feed their bodies!
I’ve made mention several times on this blog over the years that when I was growing up there were times we had zero money and my mother – who was so proud she wouldn’t take public relief – wondered where our next meal was coming from. It wasn’t only pride on her part, but she always said there were families who needed “it” more than we did, referring to welfare. She didn’t want to deprive someone with three or four kids from having something, never mind that we were hungry, too.
One year, my grandmother took me to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at our church so that I could have a winter coat that fit and actually clasped shut (!) and boots. I have always had a special place in my heart for the society ever since then and donate regularly to my local chapter during their food drives and during the year.
I feel this holiday season is going to be extremely difficult for families who are struggling to pay bills, and put food don’t he table, never mind buy gifts for their kids. So, I want to remind those of you who are a little more fortunate, something my mother said many times during my childhood when we would see someone struggling more than we were: “There, for the Grace of God, go I.”
You never know when adversity will come through your door and you may be the person who needs help. So, if you can, do what you can, where you can. Donate food, decent clothing you no longer need ( especially warm winter clothes and coats), even your time to volunteer at a food bank.
I am honored to help organizations like FEEDING TiNY TUMMIES, and since I can, I do what I can.
Something to think about during this holiday season.
~Peg
Peggy Jaeger, Author 