I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. - Charles Dickens
Greetings, Kossacks and Happy Holidays!
I hope you're familiar with the KINship Project that Black Leather Rain, iampunha and I have been working on recently. If not, I hope you'll take a few minutes to read this diary and the previous diaries to get a feel for what we're trying to accomplish.
We're closing in on a deadline, of sorts. We need your help, in the next couple days, to make a difference for our fellow Kossacks by Xmas.
Join me in the conversation pit for more info...
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. - Washington Irving
First, I'd like to thank Bill in Portland Maine for his fantastic plug in today's Cheers & Jeers, and the Kossacks who took time to make contributions to our project. We really appreciate your kindness and generosity, kids!
Next, I'd like to give you an idea of what we're encountering as we work on the project:
-- "I never thought I would have to worry about feeding my family, but this fall we have gone hungry on multiple occasions. Without help there will not be any holiday gifts for my boys this year."
-- "... it is the first time I've never been able to buy one thing for my child for Christmas. I don't want or need anything for myself. While not being able to find work, I volunteer a lot in the community. As bad off as we, are there are always people in worse situations."
-- "My wife and I are trying to come up with money to keep this roof over our heads, and it just seems to me that getting something for my daughter for Christmas isn't even on the radar. I know a lot of people are hurting right now, whether anything comes of this submission or not I really want to thank those who are making the effort."
-- "I would love a couple of new toys for under the tree; I just cannot swing it. I know it's not the same as those of us who need food (I have been able to keep the pantry stocked) or housing, but if someone would like to send some toys, we'd be thrilled."
-- "I have a paypal account at my contact email but maybe instead grocery store gift cards, so I won't be asking for cash. I can go to the food bank but families need that food..."
-- "I would like some help with christmas. I am facing each day, knowing that we don't have a tree and there are not any gifts for our daughter.I am working two jobs. They will pay the bills,with nothing left."
This is just a handful of the notes we're receiving from fellow Kossacks - some of the stories and requests are, frankly, quite startling and heartbreaking. But I'm struck by how many people are simply asking for help in making their children's Xmas a little happier. We're doing everything we can to help as many folks as we can, but we could really use your help to brighten some Kossacks' holidays.
Some of you have already offered to help in many ways, and we want to take a moment to recognize that, as well.
-- "I did receive a GC. OMG! Thank you so much for helping us. I don't have the words to tell you how much this means. Thank you don't even begin to express whet I'm feeling right now. Thanks for making a difference in our lives."
-- "Thank you all for doing this. Dkos got me hooked on its passion and dedication..but it's the heart of the communitiy that outshines the rest. You guys rock!!"
-- "It has been a very hard week and this is the best news I've had for weeks. Thank you and the donors for all you are doing to help those of us in need. I look forward to the day when I will be the one contributing to others."
-- "I know better than to count on anything, but I am grateful for the effort, no matter the outcome. What you guys are doing, well, I don't have the words to express how thankful I am that folks are trying to help each other out."
-- "Thank you for asking. I kinda hesitated before making the request, but I did it. It's like I'm staggering under the weight of a burden, and yet I'm not allowed to cry out since so many others have it so much worse."
-- "Thank you. You do not know how much this means to me to be able to have a nice dinner on Christmas. I shopped for my usual groceries today and I am out of money for the Christmas dinner. Your generosity is so much appreciated. Thank you and may you also have a Happy Holiday."
From toys to clothes to groceries to utility and medical bills, Kossacks need our help. And Kossacks are giving - gift cards, toys, clothing, opening their homes to people with no family to celebrate with - we're coming together to make this Xmas a blessed time.
Christmas is for children. But it is for grown-ups too. Even if it is a headache, a chore, and nightmare, it is a period of necessary defrosting of chill and hide-bound hearts. - Lenora Mattingly Weber
You can still help. Yes, you! You can make an immediate financial contribution via the ChipIn widget: (Note: Contributions are not deductible for Federal income tax purposes. But they can make a hell of a difference for a fellow Kossack.)
[Update] - Laura reminded me that we can still accept donations for the next few days and make things happen in time for Xmas gifts. I was thinking we needed to ship items when I wrote the diary, but many of our requests can be handled via e-gift certificates. Please feel free to contribute after Thursday, as we'll still be able to help some Kossacks and their families. We're looking beyond the holidays, as well.
We need your contribution ASAP, to make a difference by Xmas. I know, that sounds like a lot of pressure but we still have several families who need our help.
Maybe you simply can't make a financial contribution, right now - that's OK, we still want to hear from you. You can make a non-financial offer, or a post-holiday offer, on our Donor Pledge form. Believe me, there are plenty of ways to help and heck - you may surprise us!
I want to recognize another Kossack who's offered a special gift from her heart and from her hands. Kossack, mamamorgaine, has kindly offered to provide some handmade children's toys and dress-up items as well as shoulder bags, totes and crocheted rag rugs to Kossacks who want to add a handcrafted gift to their holiday giving.
You can find pictures of her beautiful crafts here. If you see something you like, you can contact mamamorgaine via e-mail, and she'll ship your request to you ASAP. Or you could make an offer to purchase a few items for a friend's home, and help support a progressive artist and a local food bank. We hope you'll check out her work and take advantage of her offer. But do it today, kids! She's already had some requests for her crafts and time is short.
What else can I do?
The economy's tough, and giving is down everywhere. The local food bank is shuttering a kids cafe or reducing its hours of operation. Your church's lost and found is empty for the first time in years. There just plain isn't a cushion this year, aside from the couch -- whose cushions were raided two months ago.
You'd love to give, but you can't.
That's fine.
But visit FreeRice. This is one way you can help the world's poor by just using your spare time and brain. Get five words right and you've donated 50 grains of rice to the world's poor and hungry. Doesn't sound like a lot, does it?
Play for an hour or so. Learn. Feed. Feel better. Tell your friends. Helping anyone helps.
I'd also like to remind you of a fellow Kossack who could use our kind thoughts and generous spirit during a rough time. Father Jennings (dsjwriter) is in a tough place this holiday season, and your friendship and generosity would go a long way toward brightening his Xmas.
We're down to the wire, here at KINship, and we'd so appreciate anything you can do, in the next few days, to help us help our fellow Kossacks. And don't think for a minute that you can't help - you can, one way or another.
Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself...
- Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976
Thanks to all who have offered to help, and thank you in advance if you decide to help today or down the road. Your generosity, public or private, is something we celebrate and cherish.
I'll leave you with this thought: "We all do better, when we all do better."
Rip -