Helping Hands discussion

On this thread we can list our goals that we set for ourselves and/or families for this season. When we see them written down we will be more aware of what, when, how and why we are trying to achieve these goals.

Under this thread, please list your goal(s) and how you plan to reach them. As you work toward your goal or goals, it would be great if you could take us along your journey toward achievement, share your feelings and success.

I read the list in the Suggestions folder under Ideas http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7... I was trying to figure out something I could do. Connie also suggested something similar in another thread.

As I lay in bed last night I got in my head the notion to go door-to-door this month and ask my neighbors if they would like some things 'taken of their hands' so to speak. lol. It can be blankets, canned goods, coats or clothes in good conditions, personal hygiene items, etc. I have a mini van and would love to load it with anything anyone would like to donate.

I would take it to the shelters along one of the back streets downtown where I live. I have done this before with some of my shoes and clothes. They were very grateful.

There are many thrift stores that also accept donations and these are good, too, but this year I would like to give the items directly to those who would need them right now. The weather is turning cold. Anything could help.

Another thought, we know that with donations usually comes the tax deductible slip. I'm not doing it for that. I will offer those who contribute the slip from the items they give. If they want to leave me their address, I would send it to them. Maybe this could be an additional incentive for people.

Yet another thought. Also in that list of ideas it says we could do care packages for military personnel. I don't think I could afford even one care package, but I could do some cards. I have acquired a ton of holiday cards over the years and I was thinking that maybe I could leave a blank card with some of the people to whom I visit asking for donations. I don't really know how I would go about getting addresses, etc. But it does suggest "Before mailing packages or letters to military service personnel, contact your local American Red Cross chapter for current procedures and regulations." I will follow up on this.

I cleaned out some of my grandma's garage. In it I found large garbage bags full of clothes. I still need to go through them and probably wash them. We'll see if I think they are good enough to donate. I also found a huge box of scarves and gloves. I'm sure those should do some good!

And I find that you can get a cheap pair of gloves for $1 at the dollar store. They may not be fancy or as effective as others, but at least they can keep out the chilly fingers!