Christmas Holidays is a Time for Giving to Charity not to PACs

Yesterday I finally decided that I would answer the phone from the 202 area code knowing it was probably the RNC dialing for dollars.  Wanted to get my two cents in so I answered the phone.  Started off with their normal speech and then I had a chance to talk so I covered a few of my concerns.  As I was finishing up my comments, the person said you are not the only one saying that same thing.  Because I said I would consider donating January 1st, I was given over to a supervisor and went through my whole spiel again.  Received the same reaction that I wasn't the only one except this time he wanted me to guarantee I was going to give and started off on reasons why I should.  Stopped him with I know you are the only organization that can fund some of the Presidential activities but I am not donating to any political cause until after the 1st of January.  My money for donations will go to charities that help kids have a better Christmas. 

They don't get it -- this is the time to donate to charities if you are going to donate not some political PAC. 
Yesterday I had seven requests in my inbox and five more today asking for PAC donations.  It is mind boggling that at this time of year they are asking for political donations when we just finished up the mid-term election.  As for donating to Joe through the DeMint PAC, they are wasting their breath -- Joe Miller was a bad candidate and is looking more like a Democrat sore loser with filing lawsuits and the whine.  The Anchorage Daily blogs are filled with comments from alll sides telling Jim DeMint and the Tea Party Express to stay out of Alaska politics.  My reply yesterday to every PAC asking for a donation was to remove me from their list. 

There are so many people whose children are not going to have a very good Christmas this year due to their parents not being able to find good jobs and are working jobs to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.  Food Banks need donations along with Toys for Tots for the Marine Corps and The Salvation Army for starters.  There are many organizations that are there to help provide some Christmas for children in need.  Walk in any Walmart and see the tags on the Christmas tree -- doesn't take a lot to go buy a gift listed on the tag and make some one's Christmas a lot happier.

We had experience with Toys for Tots in my county when I was Vice Chair of the County GOP.  Our float in the Christmas parade was about Toys for Tots and all the toys on the float were taken up to the Marine Corps reserves after the parade.  Our County gave over $1500 worth of Toys.  That's when I learned that toys that are given for Toys for Tots stay in your own area and are given to children to make their Christmas brighter.  Had a ball shopping for toys from donations I was given.  We even ended up on the broadcast news for our project as the local channel filmed me coming out of Toys R Us.  Felt so good to deliver all those Toys to the Marine Corps Reserve outside of Tinker AFB. 

Several years ago when my youngest daughter was at OU, her sorority hosted children who were not going to get anything for Christmas.  The girls bought the toys from the list the children had provided.  Our Parent Club with the girls decorated the house for Christmas and the Christmas Party for these children.  It was a great teaching moment for the girls when they got to see how happy these children were along with their parents.   Some people make fun of sororities but they are second to none on campus for philanthropy  projects throughout the year.  Every sorority at OU has a charity they raise funds for at different fundraisers during the year.

Everyone can do their part.  Drop $1 in the bucket of The Salvation Army every time you go in Walmart.  Remember growing up and my Dad giving me a quarter to drop in the bucket every time we passed one -- thought it was great. 

Drop off cans of food at your local food bank.  Our Governor-Elect Mary Fallin, as part of her Inauguration, is kicking off a food drive for the OK food banks around the State of Oklahoma for the month of December.  What a great Inaugural event to give back to those less fortunate.

There are many charities that need money right now -- just participated in one for Coats for Kids that provides new coats for children in our area who cannot afford them that is sponsored by a local TV station.

We know money is tight for a lot of people right now, but if you can donate a $1 to any charity it will be appreciated.  The Spirit of Christmas is giving of yourself or donations to help others.