Christmas is a time for giving
She Says
People give at Christmas more than any other time of the year. This extends beyond friends, family and charity donations.
Local clubs start raising funds for the holiday season as early as October.
Most everyone is familiar with The Salvation Army and its Red Kettles, Angel Trees and its strong presence exhibited during the holiday season. Every dollar dropped into a red kettle helps give local families the Christmases they deserve as well as the yearlong support they so desperately need.
This year, the GFWC Book Lovers Study Club members worked as volunteers to raise money for The Salvation Army at the Walmart in our hometown. Many people and organizations donate money to this 159-year-old organization.
Book Lovers also hosted a Christmas Pancake Party. Attendees wore pajamas, played games and donated toys and pajamas to DHR and the Russellville Fire Department.
Many churches in our area contribute to the Samaritan’s Purse program called Operation ChristmasChild.Eachbox is packed full of quality toys, school supplies and personal care items. For many children, it is their first gift ever.
Delivered by our local church partners, shoebox gifts provide an opportunity to present the Gospel to boys and girls in a clear, childfriendly way. The Garden Club of Alabama has been making our state a prettier place to live since 1932.
There are sixty-two clubs located in every corner of the state, representing more than 1,000 members, working together to promote the ideals of this organization.
Locally, fundraisers such as the annual fall and spring plants sales sponsored by the Cultura Garden Club enable the club to donate to the Russellville Fire Department Toy Drive for needy children during the Christmas holidays.
They also help with the decorations in downtown Russellville, the annual Christmas tree lighting and Every Light a Prayer for Peace.
One of Civitans’ signature fundraisers, the Claxton Fruit Cake, began in 1951. This fundraiser has become synonymous during the holiday season in the United States and Canada to raise money for projects. You can purchase this fruitcake locally in grocery stores or buy directly from a Civitan member.
To ask for Christmas donations, be clear about your needs, emphasize the positive impact of donations during the holiday season and make it easy for people to give by providing a clear donation link or method while expressing gratitude for their generosity and highlighting how their contribution will make a difference for those in need.
You can also consider suggesting donating in lieu of gifts to a specific charity or cause close to your heart.
Christmas is truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.
