We get to choose our theme for this week, which is almost more difficult for me. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to share, discarding many ideas like photographing my car, a Volcano Red Dodge Charger because I absolutely love it. Or the wheat field across the road which is now a beautiful golden color. Or my very messy bead table, which will probaly never be neat, and many more.
Instead I chose this...
The Change Jar
My husband doesn't like to carry change in his pocket so he started putting it in a jar he had at work several years ago. At Christmas time he presented us with two jars full of change and said we could do what we wanted with it. We chose to take the family to the Great Wolf Lodge. From there the change jar became a tradition and I started dumping in my own change from my purse. For a couple years we chose to use the money for something fun. But after hearing about an elderly lady in our church that needed assistance we all agreed to send the money from the change jar to her annomously. The next year at Christmas we did the same to a family where the mother lost her job, and the father became disabled and unable to work.
Ever since then we have given it to a person or family we know that need assistance. It's not much, maybe a couple hundred bucks, but it is nice to know it's going to a good cause.
I would encourage you to start your own change jar, whether you choose to use it for yourself, or for helping others.
The little money I have - that is my wealth, but the things I have for which I would not take money, that is my treasure. ~Robert Brault
As always, I appreciate your visit. Please check out Sally's Blog to see what everyone else chose to share.
17 comments:
A wonderful idea - there are so many people out there who don't have the luxury of a spare change jar. I applaud your generous hearts and community spirit.
I love this story - not only the fun you had with the money, but how you are now using it to help others, which is its own kind of fun. Thanks for the post.
You're such a sweet lady, what a wonderfully generous thing to do :-)
What a lovely idea, and your comment about "not much" certainly is not true. The amount isn't important, the love behind it is!
I have had a change jar as long as I can remember. Kudos to you for donating your's to someone in need.
What a wonderful gift for the chosen family and your own
Lovely tradition. It's the small kindnesses that have such huge power to change someones life. How wonderful of you!
We've had a change jar for as long as I can remember. I love the idea of giving it to someone in need. Thank you for the idea and for having such a generous and giving heart!
This is wonderful! Thank you for doing this and sharing your story. My husband's change piles up, too, and now you've given me a great idea for sharing it.
What a great idea. I am sure the recipients of your gift are very thankful.
What a lovely thing to do! Thanks for sharing.
Having a generous spirit is a wonderful trait and I'm sure you feel great doing it. My husband has a change jar - has had for as long as I remember. What a great idea - I am inspired to do that now!
What a lovely thing for you and your family to do. Your generosity is inspirational.
Oh, I love that Alice! I have been involved with volunteering for charities for many, many years. For several years I was the charitable donations manager for a company I worked for, and we were able to help many families in distress, directly. It is so rewarding. Your change jar is a great idea!
I love your post Alice. My husband empties pennies from his pocket. We have an old (rather large) fire extinguisher that is pretty full. Your idea of gifting to a person or family in need is beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration.
I know that must make your heart sing. Shoot, just looking at that jar and knowing it's going to help someone else must make you smile daily! Love it.
What a way to give back and get everyone involved!
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