The Week to Give

      We are coming up on the last full week of the year, which includes Christmas, for us a joyful time to be with family and friends. Despite the tragedy in the Connecticut school and some places overseas, we all have a lot to be thankful for during this season of giving. 

Listening to the daily news, all the talk is that we are going over the fiscal cliff after the first of the year unless Congress gets its act together, where expenses will be higher and taxes could be a lot higher. We also heard at the Natural Resources Rendezvous Convention in Casper earlier this month that now, before the first of the year, would be the time to give as after the first of the year you may not get the tax write-off for donating to a non-profit. 

I’m not sure we all understand what is going to happen, even those in Washington, but the next four years will bring change, and most of it will be out of our hands. The world will go on, and there is always someone or some place and organization that needs our help in dollars. 

Despite all the negativity out there, the Christmas season is the time to give. We all have someone in the family, your favorite cause, your agricultural or livestock organization, your church or a medical or cancer fund – and the list goes on and on. We all know there are worthwhile causes, and there is some where they are just making a buck off you, but the decision is yours.

My pastor says one of the true meanings of Christmas is to be thankful to God, and it is the time to give to others. I believe he is right. While it is fun to receive, it can be a better feeling to give. Take the time this season to really look at the true meaning of Christmas by being thankful for the blessings we have received and appreciate others in our lives.

We are all good at sitting back and waiting for the other person to give to a cause, but just think if we all gave a little, it would mean so much more. Being involved in non-profits, we are always looking for the big donation that will make the news and put you over the top. We can always dream, but those big donations are few and far between. If you have ever been fortunate to have been on the recipient end of a large donation to a cause you are involved in, it is a once in a lifetime experience. Always treasure it, it doesn’t happen often.

But you know, I have always thought that if you are involved in a cause or a non-profit, I would rather have 50 smaller donations to reach the goal than just one or two. Having 50 people buy into a cause and having most of them donate every year is healthy support, but always strive also for the big donations, as they are special and can make life easier. In a perfect world, organizations would receive both.

Always put Christ and giving into your Christmas. Have a great Christmas.

Dennis