As a leader in his church and community, Courage Igene encourages others to give back to those in need this holiday season to make a positive impact on the world.
Holidays are a time for family get-togethers, overflowing food, lots of fun, laughter and cheer. It is also the time for being thankful for all the things that we have – food, family and a roof over our head. But there are many who are not so fortunate to have things that we take for granted. There are many families who cannot even afford food for their kids. There are many homeless who are in need of shelter to protect them from the coming cold weather. By helping those in need, we would not only make our holidays brighter but would also get a feeling of contentment by being able to give back to the community and put a smile on the face of someone in need. There are various ways, some big, some small, through which we can bring some cheer to the lives of others.
Participate in food drives
Food drives are run by groups or individuals. Find out about any food drive going in and around your community. You can either participate in one or you can start your own food drive. Apart from helping stock non-perishable food items in a food drive, you can also help in soup kitchens. Since they are mostly driven by volunteers, your help would be very welcome. During the holiday season and due to the cold weather, these places are generally overcrowded. By helping during this time your service would be much appreciated. With All Nations Church, Courage Igene tries to hold food drives a few times a year especially during the holidays.
Donate clothes
By donating clothes and coats you would help many people to stay warm during the harsh weather. Many clothing drives are run by corporates or charities. You can make a neat bundle of all the clothing items that you no longer need but are in good wearable condition. Donate them to the appropriate charitable organization.
Contribute Towards Gifts
The holiday season is also all about gifts and giving. You can buy gifts like toys for children of less privileged homes. The happiness on the children faces when they receive their gifts would make your day.
Participate In Community Events
There are many community events going on especially during the holidays. There might be some park/beach cleaning activity requiring volunteers, or there might be some fundraising event taking place. It can be in the form of a run/marathon or a charity dinner. By participating in these events you can make some monetary or non-monetary donation towards the community. There are many community events which require contribution in the form of skill. You can contribute towards them through your skills as a doctor, architect, singer or any other professional skill.
Remembering soldiers, fire fighters, police officers
Soldiers, fire fighters and police officers sacrifice so much to safeguard us and our homes. By remembering them through our selfless acts during the holiday season we get a chance to express our gratitude towards them and their families. By sending a card or baking some cookies and hand delivering them we can make them feel special.
Spending time in the hospitals and elderly care homes
By visiting hospitals we can spend some time with people who are feeling lonely or neglected during the holiday season. By reading some books or treating them with home cooked goodies we can bring some cheer in their lives.
Courage Igene uses his expertise as a community leader to help spread joy and holiday cheer. You can choose any one or all the activities depending upon your resources. The act of kindness is important, its size is immaterial.
