The holidays seem to be gone as quickly as they came as we unstring the lights, take down the tree or put away the menorah.
While watching the last of the Christmas television ads just before New Year’s Eve, my husband and I were reminded one last time to give, care and share during the holidays.
Then, my husband said something I think we all need to remember in February, May, July, October and every other month of the year.
“If only people carried the holiday spirit into the rest of the year,” he said, and he’s right.
When November rolls around each year, the best of humanity seems to shine through.
We set aside differences in the spirit of the holidays, give to those less fortunate and generally conduct ourselves in a cheery manner.
This year, don’t wait until the holidays to be the person you transform into when the season strikes.
Verde Valley food banks need donations all year. Hunger doesn’t wait until Christmas to set in and bare cupboards greet families daily in our communities. Remember those who don’t have warm nutritious food to eat not only while you indulge in a holiday meal but all year. What someone may think of as a routine dinner; another would give anything to eat.
Camp Verde, Jerome, Clarkdale, Cornville and Cottonwood’s senior citizens enjoy companionship in months other than December. Various organizations brightened their Christmases with gifts purchased by community members and strive to care for the older members of the population during other months as well. Volunteers and donations are needed year-round to help them fulfill their mission.
Young boys and girls facing situations children shouldn’t ever have to endure need mentors 365 days a year. Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters is always looking for people to step up and make a difference in a child’s life by donating time or money. The holidays can be hard for some of these children, but the rest of the year isn’t always much easier.
Homeless, neglected and abused animals are abandoned or shoveled off to rescue groups and shelters on any given day. Shelters and local rescue groups work tirelessly to nurse animals back to health and find them forever homes.
All of Camp Verde, Jerome, Clarkdale, Cornville and Cottonwood’s nonprofits need help around the clock and enjoy the surge of giving around the holidays. However, I’m sure none of them would be disappointed if it carried on throughout the year.
It’s easier to be a good person when we’re suppose to and much harder when nobody is paying attention.
Doing those little things when we aren’t reminded or prompted to shows character.
