First of December, White Rabbits, first day to open a door on the Advent calendar, and the Season of Sagittarius is under way.
This month, several of my friends, in rl and online, have birthdays, aside from that big one on Christmas Day, so happy birthday to you all, and I hope you're reading in here. Sags rule!
Today is that really misguided day, Giving Tuesday, which started out as a nice idea to remember the nonprofits before the for-profits start to rake in the holiday takings. But it's got to be a mad rush of demands and emails and promotions for nonprofits which are not on my radar at all. I think giving ought to happen any old time, and especially if you find you have a bit of extra money in the kitty.
My usual default is local and immediate, mainly the food pantry, which can use money better than actual cans and boxes of food. They know better than I do what's needed right now, and it's not always food. Often people are desperate too, for sanitary and hygiene items, none of which are covered by any insurance and certainly not government programs. But the need is there and it's pressing. So it's a good idea to think about that.
People feel very good giving actual items, and I don't discourage that, if they check first to see what's needed. But it's still good to remember that cash is good, since food pantries and banks can use it to get items at reduced cost.
Right now people who even as recently as March would never have thought they'd need the help of a township food pantry are finding they do. Their jobs and worlds have collapsed around them. Those of us who have the luxury of continuing our ordinary lives with just a few restrictions would do well to remember that. Pay it forward, okay? There, but for the grace of God, and that train of thought.
