12 Days of Christmas Giving Back – Letter to Clients

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas !!! 2020 has been a crazy year and rather than send a holiday card I decided to count down the “12 Days of Christmas” in my own way and share it with you. I promised myself to try and make a difference each day by giving back to our community somehow some way and I’m blessed to be surrounded by my team who believes in my charitable ways.

Let me share a few stories and ideas to shed light on my mission leading up to Christmas Day. My first day began with a substantial donation to St. Anthony who I have stood in front of many times over the last 9 months, praying often for those in need.

Next up was a visit to see my favorite bank teller who asked why am I withdrawing so much cash and I told her so I could give it away to those I come across who may be in need of help over the next 12 days. You’d be surprised how many Moms and Dads with their kids search for bottles to cash in or others doing the same who may be down and out. I’ve been known to stalk gas stations looking for those who can’t afford a full tank of gas. Each day I pay for whoever is behind me in line when getting my jolt of coffee, paying it forward daily or I should say backward. I do the same if I see a family shopping for groceries who I sense can use help. For me giving away cash is a good way to spread cheer and keep the spirit of these great Americans alive … Franklin, Hamilton, Lincoln and Washington, they never get old.

For me giving back feels good and I will do my best to assist not-for-profits whose mission benefits those that may need something more in their lives which is where my focus is this holiday season. We also support the arts and health care. My 12 day journey will take me to many wonderful organizations to make donations like CEO, Ronald McDonald House, Unity House, SnackPack Program who provides meals for kids that may not eat, & Franklin Community Center to name a few.

 

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a couple agencies who are near and dear to my heart, The ARC and Living Resources, whose mission is to help special people like my brothers feel greeted in the community, living and working alongside us and feeling welcomed. I included a picture of each of my brothers who I visited recently. I’ve been their guardian for the last 40 years and my brother Brian who never came home because my Mom passed shortly after he was born may be the happiest person I know. I often say that Brian can teach all of us how to look at life and be happy, he is a pro at it as he spreads his love to anyone and everyone.

Let me finish by saying Covid-19 has affected all of us and to be honest, it stinks. We can measure those sickened and families who lost a loved one but we can’t measure how many more are suffering because they are depressed, unable to see their families, mentally unstable, drinking more, taking drugs, suffering domestic abuse or have committed suicide. A simple gesture or thought for some family members, friends or peers like a phone call, card in the mail, email, text or just saying hello to a stranger who looks like they need a smile – these acts of kindness may make their day and let them know they have not been forgotten. The best part is it doesn’t cost anything, just a little time.