Too often the trouble is that we do not know what somebody else wants or needs. And we certainly do not want to buy anything that a person already has.
We want to honor somebody’s friendship with a gift that says something about that person. If you’re wanting to give to somebody who is generous to the community, there are many ways to honor that person by helping someone else.
At the top of the list is gifts to Country Santa. Certainly this program is a miracle within itself. In a day when major industries cling to life with government “bail-out” money, Country Santa survives with absolutely no government funding. “It’s just people helping people,” Buddy Cox, a.k.a. Country Santa simply states.
While the process remains simple, the problem becomes more complicated with the recent economic conditions. Last year Country Santa delivered toys to more than 3,000 children in the Upstate — a record The demand this year could be even greater. Why not give toys to Country Santa, then send a card to a friend simply stating “A child will be happier Christmas morning because of you?”
Another idea is to make a donation to MARY’s House, the Pickens County shelter for abused women. The home has been long in planning and construction, but it has already ministered to the needs of more than 100 women and their children. It is an unfortunate fact that the shelter is near capacity right now. We can all pray for a world someday in which women will not need to see shelter from domestic violence. But we can rejoice that there is a place for these women to turn to when their entire world seems to be coming apart. The home could use a wide variety of goods, and cash is always a welcome donation. The ministry also simply requests your prayers. Call 855-1708 to see how you can help.
Perhaps there is a potential theater lover on your gift list. If so, what would be more appropriate than tickets to the next production at the Easley Foothills Playhouse?
You’re in luck, as “Alice in Wonderland,” set for performances Feb. 4-Feb. 21, will have a large cast of local children. While we all enjoy the hard work of the theater’s organizers, perhaps children are the ones who benefit most from it. After all, attitudes formed early in life often stay with you for many years. Children involved in the theater become more outgoing and more ambitious in everything they do. The theater serves the community in so many ways. It provides entertainment for those who attend the show. It provides an artistic outlet for the many who perform in the show. Why not call 855-1817, and purchase tickets for somebody special? After Alice in Wonderland, plays scheduled include “The Dixie Swim Club” and “And Then There Were None.”
Another way to support the theater is by purchasing tickets to the Feb. 18 performance by James Gregory.Gregory has long called himself, “The Funniest Man in America,” but the description proves itself accurate. Gregory shares his insight into the little things in life that make us laugh. With only one show this year, tickets are sure to go early, so reserve yours now for somebody who loves to laugh. Call 855-1817.
Finally, we mention the Love Light Tree at Baptist Easley Hospital. The Love Light Tree does more than just shine light in front of the hospital; it shines love throughout the community. Each light on the tree, placed in memory or honor of someone special, represents a donation toward the hospital’s Lifeline program, which helps elderly people have direct contact to emergency services in times of need. Call 442-7846 for more information.
Post a Comment
