YOUR CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE JOY
Today’s post comes from Annabelle Suddreth. Annabelle is just like many of us. She's a neighbor, a parent, a friend and a caring member of our community. But she also brings a unique perspective to the #GivingTuesdayCLT conversation as the former executive director of A Child’s Place. We’re grateful for her thoughts on the magic that giving can bring - to everyone.
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Don’t Miss Your Chance to Experience Joy
Several years ago, a group of impoverished children were given the opportunity to put together gift boxes for other children in need. The joy on their faces and their enthusiasm was priceless as they exclaimed: “You mean I get to help a kid in another country?” “This is going to really make him happy!” “Can we come back tomorrow and do this again?” Children who had so little and who were so often on the receiving end experienced joy through this opportunity to give to others.
These kids felt what research has proven: giving makes people happy. Most of us have some deeply held desire to heal the world and “do unto others” through offering a helping hand. Giving fulfills that need. But so often, our desire to help is just that – a desire. It takes effort to turn that tug at our heart into action. Life gets busy, we become distracted and before we know it, we realize our yearning has now turned to regret from a missed opportunity.
On Tuesday, December 2, we each have the chance to experience the joy of giving to others. #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving. After the sales of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday is a time to celebrate and encourage charitable activities that help others. Whether it’s making a donation, volunteering your time, helping a neighbor or simply spreading the word, #GivingTuesday is a movement for everyone who wants to give something back. You pick the cause. You pick what you want to give. You experience the joy of giving. It’s that simple.
#GivingTuesdayCLT is our local #GivingTuesday collaborative effort focused on Charlotte. Visit www.GivingTuesdayCLT.org to take this opportunity to help others in our community and experience the joy of giving.
What will be your gift?