photo by Es on flickr.com

I work for a nonprofit, so I spend most of my day thinking about those in need. So far, the economic problems have not affected me that much, and I want to instill in my kids the fact that we are blessed to have the things we do. I had no clue how I was going to take care of my daughter when I was 20, unwed and a broke college student, but somehow, there is always enough money in my account to pay for everything. We are truly blessed.

So I do little things throughout the year to give back to other people. Just this past weekend, I went to Dave and Buster’s (like Chuck E. Cheese with beer) with my friends. I played some games and won some coupons. Instead of redeeming them for a prize, I gave away my coupons (some 400 in all) to a little girl whose dad was having a rough time trying to win her some playing Skee-ball. Then, when we went to Bob Evans the next morning, I gave the waitress a $10 tip on a $9 bill. Little things like that leave the world a better place, and I want my kids to do those types of things without hesitation.

So I’m trying to give back this year – I know so many people could use the help. I’m going to donate my kids’ old clothes (some of which they’ve never even worn) to a domestic abuse or homeless shelter.

What are you doing to give back this holiday season?