The Giving Season

We're nearing the end of the year and entering typically the biggest time for giving. In 2011, charitable giving rose for the first time since 2007. It is a great time to lend a helping hand - volunteer or donate to an organization that is near and dear to your heart.

I love the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition, so it's likely you'll see Facebook and Twitter posts from me about the Little Wishes program and volunteer opportunities this time of year. I volunteer as a Foster Friend and have a ball with the kids on the parents' night out events. Last year was the first year that I helped at the Little Wishes Shopping Day at the Kirkwood Walmart. It was hectic and fun. It also got exciting as more and more ornaments were disappearing from the trees - then it was a sell out. This year I helped again and was supposed to work the 12:30-3:30 p.m. shift. Again, it was hectic and fun, but even more so when all 450 gifts were bought before 1:30 p.m. I felt like I wasn't much help; it was a short shift, but it was also impressive to see up close the outpouring of generosity and support from the community. I had never put together a bicycle before, but a couple of the St Charles Community College Phi Beta Lambda members and I helped a big group of volunteers put together about 135 last year. I'm hoping we get a chance to play Santa's elves again.

I first knew of this organization (though I think it was a predecessor to the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition) through "Karen's Kids."  Karen Foss, a St Louis favorite in local news and the community, highlighted stories of kids who needed forever homes. That tradition continues with KSDK's "A Place to Call Home." They are a huge supporter of the Coalition, and many of the on-air reporters show up to the Little Wishes Shopping Day each year.

There are other organizations that I care about and support, but for some reason, this one grabbed me a long time ago. I think when I am at family get-togethers and holidays, it is hard for me to imagine not having all of those folks around me. I wish everyone could have that. When I moved back to St Louis in 2006, I decided it was time to get involved.

If you are interesting in getting involved, check out the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition site or go to Little Wishes and help them reach their goal of granting 3,300 wishes this year.