We are “to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to provide for the widow, to dry up the tear of the orphan, to comfort the afflicted, whether in this church, or in any other, or in no church at all…”
Joseph Smith, “Times and Seasons,” March 15, 1842
I have never really tried to go out of my way to give to a charity. I mean, I am always throwing my change or a few dollars to the bell ringers. But this year I made up my mind to find a charity to donate to. I figured since we are not spending much on gifts, a tree and decorations that we could take our "savings" and use it to give to those in need.
My friend suggested the IRC (International Rescue Committee) of SLC. I looked them up and felt really good about it. They were quick to respond and very organized. One of the cool things, I think, is that for the most part you are donating specific things that they need—not just money—so some thought can go into what you are giving away.
The first way is to request a family to donate to. They will send you a list of things that are on their wishlist. Because I had never done this before I requested a small family. They assigned me a mother and daughter from Sudan. But they said you can donate to individuals and even a family of 10! I wish I had the kind of resources to pull together for that family, but we are going to start small:)
There wasn't much on their list. To think that right now they might not even have sheets:( I just want to run to the store tomorrow and pick all of this up... I just might!
Their wish list:
Cable converter box and antenna for TV, DVD player and DVD's, Arabic to English or picture dictionary
Picture frames for family photos, candles, table cloth
Hygiene items, perfume or bath set for mother, nail polish, hair bows, barrettes and play makeup for girl
Age appropriate toys and games for 11 year old, art supplies because she likes to draw and color
2 sets of new towels, new twin sheet sets
The second way is to donate items for the bundles. There are baby bundles, kitchen bundles and so forth. I'll post that list below. Most items needed are things you may already have around the house... or if you shop at Costco you might have some to spare. Take a look and donate a little or a lot!
Do note that most items needed are requested to be new. The ones with the asterisks are okay if they are lightly used.
So, if you are at all like me and want to share with a charity but don't really know what to do, just tag along with us on this project! If you have any of the items on the list, I will leave a bin on my porch so you can quickly drop it off, or stop in and have a cup of tea with me, too! I am almost always here:) I will be taking donations down there no later than the 20th of December.
If you want to request your own family or have them email you directly with the bundle lists or other opportunities just click here!
Email me with any questions!
And Merry Christmas to you all!
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