HO! HO! HO! Hard to believe it is December already. It seems as I get older the years speed by more quickly. Each year as it draws to a close, I ask myself, “Did I do good this year? Would my mom and dad be proud of me?” And more importantly, “Are my wife and daughter proud of me?”
For me, it’s a time of reflection. The one realization that strikes me is that over the years I have accumulated enough stuff. I have asked my wife and daughter to not get me any presents, but rather to donate to charities that we support.
You may remember in a few of my previous columns that I said donate locally. That is the best way to know just how your donation is being used. Obviously, my supported charities are those that support active duty military, Veterans and Veterans causes. Some of those organizations are:
- Naperville VFW and American Legion
- Naperville Responds For Veterans
- Operation Support Our Troops-America
- VFW National Home For Children
- Midwest Shelter For Homeless Veterans
- Local Animal Shelters
I know these organizations do great work and have excellent ratings. Every day in the mail I get requests for donations. Some I know, but many I have never heard about.
If you are going to donate to one of these requests, for your own peace of mind, go to Charity Navigator and find out about that charity. Are they a 501C3 organization? Look at their 990 form to see just how much of the money donated is used to further their mission. Ideally, it should be around 90 percent of the funds collected.
During this holiday season, it is a time to spread joy. Maybe you can’t give presents or donate to a charity, but that doesn’t keep you from doing an act of kindness for someone. A kind word can make a person feel good.
Or in my case, not replying to a comment you don’t agree with is something to consider.
My hope is that you and your family have a most joyous holiday season!
Holiday Caroling at Hines VA Hospital… Join us!
The December visit to Hines VA hospital will include the singing of Christmas carols to patients receiving treatment that request them. This yearly event is well received by our hospitalized veterans and everyone is welcome to join.
Who: Everyone
What: Holiday Caroling at Hines VA Hospital
When: 6:15PM Tues., Dec. 10, 2019
Where: Meet at the VFW Post to ride the bus to Hines VA
Why: Bring holiday cheer to our hospitalized veterans
Come into the Canteen at the VFW, 908 W. Jackson Ave., to sign in from 6 to 6:15PM.
The bus will leave from the VFW Post promptly at 6:15PM and head to Hines VA Hospital. The group usually returns by 9PM. Feel free to bring an instrument if you play one! All musical abilities and singing voices welcome! Sheet music with words is provided.
—Mike Barbour
