Please give! It is so important!

Yesterday I heard a story about the mall Santa Clauses. They are saying that kids are asking for very peculiar things this year. Some of the kids this year are not asking for the usual bikes, toys, Transformers, the latest gadget, doll, etc. They are actually asking for their mommy to get a job or daddy to get a job. They are asking for their house back, their old rooms, furniture or cars... They are also asking for more food to feed their bellies. This is terrible! The pressure put on these kids is unbelievable!

When you think about the economy and how it has affected your family - do you only think about your own need? Do you think about how am I going to pay this or that bill... or how am I going to make the house payment... or how am I going to put food on the table this week because 'x, y and z' are due? I know I do. I don't stop and think about the thousands of people here in St. Louis that's unemployed this year. I know several families that are unemployed this year that normally have jobs. Some from Chrysler, Maritz and AB. It is happening all over - not just in St. Louis. I know many more people that have been cut back on their hours - in order to save someone else's job. This is a sad state we are in with our economy!

With that all being said, I do want to encourage people to give. If you have an extra $5 - give to your local charity. If you know someone that is not going to have Christmas this year becasue they don't have the money - let a local church or charity know or ask for donations from other relatives, friends and family to help support them. We all must stick together in this time of need!

Two weeks ago, my daughter, Gabby, asked me for money. I was like - geez, again..I just gave you $10 for a class t-shirt. But she told me they were collecting for a local family that wasn't able to have Christmas. I had $5 in my wallet so I gave it to her. Well, this morning she was bummed because they didn't raise the most money for this family at her school. I asked her how much I had given becuase I couldn't remember. She reminded me of the amount and then she said she had given money too. I asked her how much. She told me she gave $12. I was like - how could you give all of your money away to this family that you don't know. She said - Mom - they needed it more than me. Wow - what a profound statement!

Please give this year! Other people may need it more than you!