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- December 4, 2008
What are you Giving Away this Holiday?
The dark is coming to light within Boomer Diva Nation this holiday season. The women who make up this wonderful online community of baby boomer women have started the first annual D.A.R.K. campaign. D.A.R.K. stands for Doing Acts of Random Kindness. We thought it would be a great idea to extend kind gestures beyond our online community by reaching out to others in our own individual cities and towns.
So far, the DARK Campaign has included donations to daycare providers and a homeless ministry as well as providing free business services to customers. Member Heidi Richards spent an entire day calling all of her customers, clients and friends just to say hello and thank them for their business. Member Pam Archer purchased items for a complete stranger in a Dollar Store, calling it a “blessed experience!”
We are not doing the random acts of kindness for publicity sake. We are, instead, giving back because we know the blessing is always in the giving.
So what are you giving away this holiday season?
“I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” Ettiene De Grellet
2 Responses to “What are you Giving Away this Holiday?”
Two friends of mine from college have come up with a great gift idea that’s tax-deductible for the purchaser and a ‘feel good’ experience for the recipient — Called “Charity Checks,” they are “giving certificates” that are redeemable at thousands of US non-profit organizations.
They’re issued as bank checks and can carry your business logo or name – issued in many denominations and include instructions for how to send to your favorite charity, be it Meals on Wheels or a breast cancer organization.
If your readers are looking for last minute gifts that can be ordered online, this is a great one!
Further info at http://www.givingcertificates.org
Thanks,
Marsha Robertson
By Marsha on Dec 5, 2008
TIME! I’m giving away time. I don’t have tremendous disposable income this holiday season because I’m currently looking for a job. That being said, I also know well that money is not the only way to contribute to or touch lives.
I’ve been hanging uncharacteristically close to a young adult in my life that is studying at a local college and is in overwhelm navigating course schedules, writing papers, and studying for exams. Interestingly enough, I find she’s challenged by many daunting questions I’m facing in my job search . . . What career should I pursue? What credentials and qualifications must I have? How do I decide where I should spend my time?
I’ve come up along side my young friend unbeknownst to her in a “mentoring” relationship. Time is the gift I have to offer her – time to talk about different courses and what they have to offer her, time to explore potential positioning opportunities to help her in her career and time weighing pros and cons of spending time with this group vs. that. Balance – what a concept!
As always, my belief is affirmed. The gift of giving IS the gift of receiving. She’s a different culture than mine and would never ask for help as it may be imposing. Being able to simply “be there” is incredibly satisfying, that and being able to explore WITH her what her future holds.
There’s a saying, “Two heads are better than one.” Indeed, so are two sets of eyes, a fresh perspective and wisdom earned through experience. It’s all good because she knows she’s on the path with someone who’s been there – and who genuinely cares about her welfare.
Warm Holiday Blessings to All!
By Kimberly Krisch on Dec 11, 2008