Help others / help ourselves

Help others / help ourselves
R

RICK57

Registrant
Just thinking (can you hear the cogs) - there have been several posts here about reaching our inner child & we now have a post about becoming the man that we should have been.

I believe that through helping others, we help ourselves.

It's that time of year again (Christmas soon)& I don't know about the USA, Canada, Australia, France (& other countries that post here), but in the UK we have some charities / social services that collect presents for underprivileged children (for whatever reason).

Wouldn't it be a good idea if each of us gave a present to one of those organisations, age appropriate to how old we were at the time of abuse. To imagine some 12 year old waking up on Christmas Day & finding out that a total stranger cares about them - well that thought would do me more good than a good bottle of wine.

Borders book shop do it in the UK / Salvation Army and others.

My little man would love a Scalectrix (so would I), but like when we were kids, they can be expensive. It's not the cost that counts - how many kids throw away the present & play with the box?

Just a thought for those of you that can afford this - make your little man proud of the big man. If you can't afford it, just send these kids some positive thoughts.

:) Rik
 
Rik,

The upcoming holidays are the most painful times of year to me. I have always hated them and they couldn't be over fast enough.

Even though I still feel that way, I have to think of my little guy. Christmas was his happiest time.

So, I think you have a great idea. I will give the gift from the adult me. For another little guy. My brother. And give my little guy a Christmas. He deserves it.

Thank you for this.

Marc
 
Wonderful ideas. Even very small gifts, $5, $10 donated to a charity that helps children who have been abused or who are in danger of being abused is very much appreciated.

I know, I work for one.
 
Thanks for reminding us Rik, it's good to spare something for those less fortunate.

One good way is the "Shoebox" gift idea operated by 'Samaritans Purse' ( amongst other charities ), where you fill a shoebox with various small gifts such as A cuddly toy, toothbrush, toothpaste, bar of soap and flannel, notepad, colouring book, Picture books Pencils and pens crayons or felt pens, A hat, cap, gloves, scarf,A small ball or tennis ball, A puzzle e.g. small jigsaw, For boys: a toy car, truck, passenger plane or similar item. For girls: jewellery (e.g. pair of clip earrings, make-up or hair accessories)
A greetings card or a photo of yourself
Sweets (must be well within sell-by date)

The filled boxes are then distributed worldwide.

I found these links for the UK, Canada and the USA.

Dave

https://www.samaritanspurse.uk.com/

https://www.samaritan.org/intl.asp?country=Canada
https://www.networkforgood.org/offsiteframe/?siteURL=https://www.samaritanspurse.org
 
MikeNY
Member
MaleSurvivor
Member # 1738


Thank you for posting this Rick. I give stuff whenever I am able to. When it comes to X-Mas, I try to give at least one nice gift to a childrens charity every year. You know the one, the popular one that the kids all want. (don't feel guilty about thoughts that someone would take it before it reaches the kids, those are normal thoughts). I don't feel guilty if I don't give something either, for many reasons. I give whenever I think about it and am able to, not just on the holidays. If I can't afford it at the time because of life, I don't worry about it either. You can't intentionally harm yourself while trying to help others. Sometimes, yes, I just forget. So, no pressure guys, just do it if you are able to and remember to.
Thank you.

--------------------
"Every child asks the questions which hold the answers to the secrets of the universe, WHAT?, and WHY?". --Me

( Rik must have hit the 'add reply' button twice and posted this twice, so I've just copied Mikes reply to tidy things up. Dave )
 
Rik, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration for most of us, it is indeed so sad, for the poor kids who indeed get little or nothing.

I always feel so strongly at Christmas for those who lose out, the one's who think nobody cares, but hey, we care.

I would go without, anytime to put a smile on any kids' face who had to go through Christmas without at least one good present.

Let's face it Christmas is for kids, I just hope it snows and they throw snowballs at me.

They know I can throw a mean snowball!

take care,

ste
 
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