By Mermaid Jennifer
In a year of hardship for so many, it would be easy to hang your head in frustration. The markets are down, people are out of work, and everything still seems just as expensive in the mall.
However, I have found recently that if you look toward helping others instead of worrying about things beyond your control, you may just be able to get past the easy negativity that is around us.
There are two gift Web sites that I think are just super with regard to helping others in the name of a loved one.
Matthew 5:16
The American Red Cross
From phone cards for military personnel to money to build simple shelters, the Red Cross helps 70,000 people a year. Their Web site is easy to use and you can narrow things down by the type of gift you'd like to give - Help at home, Military, Global Compassion. Sometimes a simple blanket is the kindest thing that you could give. View the site.
Heifer International
These catalogs come in the mail with beautiful little children and fuzzy baby animals. They are so compelling, that out of all of the catalog mail, I love to look at them. Through this organization you can "gift" a goat, ducks, rabbits, and more to people in need around the world. These animals can be used for a family to start a small business. It might make all the difference to them. View the site.
In this issue of Mermaids of the Lake...
Here are some other thoughts on "How to help others" this season on the Mermaids of the Lake website.
Would you like to share a fun story of volunteerism in your community? Tell us.