“It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags!”… Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! “Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!” ~Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
For weeks my children have been talking about Christmas…perusing the toy ads, making lists, and asking when Santa would be coming. At their young ages, they still haven’t fully grasped the concept of what the season is all about. Every year at this time, I talk to my children about Christmas…the significance of the holiday and why we celebrate. We also talk about giving…why we give presents, particularly to those in need. It used to be that my children were opposed to the idea of giving things away, particularly toys. But our regular donations have helped them not only become comfortable with giving, but have inspired them to give out of their own hearts.
We all know someone who is hurting…someone who has lost a job or is sick…someone who lost everything in a natural disaster or isn’t able to come home because he/she is serving our country. You don’t have to go far to find someone to bless this season.
Last year, we started a new family tradition where we would shop for a specific charity and then bless them with needed items. Because Christmas is associated with children receiving toys and gifts, I’ve always been inclined to give to those who may not have any presents under the tree. I see the joy on my children’s faces on Christmas morning and I can’t imagine a single child not experiencing that.
Thanks to Walmart, I was able to donate $100 worth of toys to our country’s troops and their families through Yellow Ribbon America. Founded nearly 10 years ago, Yellow Ribbon America offers support to deployed, at-home military personnel, their families, and Troops returning home at the local level. Through local businesses, residents, churches, and community groups, Yellow Ribbon America has helped military members and their families by providing Thanksgiving and Christmas support, household necessities, emergency repair services, medical and dental discounts, Welcome Home and Military Family Appreciation Events and more.
With the help of my kids, we shopped Walmart‘s toy department for the following items:
Elefun Snackin’ Safari Game (my daughter’s choice)
Vtech InnoTab (my son’s choice)
Monopoly Zapped Edition (my son’s choice)
Since Yellow Ribbon America was collecting toys outside of our local Walmart, we simply donated them that same day. I explained to my children a little about who we were donating the toys to and how these Troops and their families help keep us safe. They were incredibly thankful for the toys we donated and my son spent part of the ride home talking about how we helped make Christmas a bit brighter for other families this year.
How do you give back during the holiday season?
If you’re local, you can find out more information about donating to Yellow Ribbon America on their website or by contacting them:
Yellow Ribbon America
3972 Barranca Parkway, Suite J #251
Irvine, CA 92606-0441
I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions. I was provided a gift card to purchase toys which were donated to Yellow Ribbon America.
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