‘TIS BETTER TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE!

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

We’ve probably all heard the old adage ‘Tis Better to Give Than to Receive.” But until we actually put it into practice they are probably just empty words. Sure, receiving is fun but the sense of well being, gratitude, and happiness you get from giving or helping others, especially those less fortunate than us, is truly phenomenal! It’s something you can’t put a price tag on. It’s a feeling of overwhelming joy!

This is a great time of year to put that old adage into practice! This Tuesday I had the opportunity to do just that. I planned and mapped out a route that took in three of my favorite recipients all located in Oceanside, California:

“Welcome Home Ministries” off Mission and Barnes Avenue. They help women coming out of jail to get back on their feet and re-entry into society again. Those women need just about everything because most only have the clothes they stand up in. I usually take gently worn suits, jackets, slacks, tops, shoes, handbags, they can use for further court appearances, or interviewing. But, this time I also had some Holiday and evening items. The Reverend Carmen Warner-Robbins heads this group. You can also call 760-439-6381 for more information.

Next stop was the San Diego Humane Society & SPCA located at 2905 San Luis Rey Road, (760) 757-4357. I had some worn, queen-size woolen blankets and some open dog food and biscuits. Unfortunately, they could not accept opened food but were very grateful for the blankets and thanked me profusely. As usual, before I left I toured the facilities. Tears rapidly filled my eyes as I went from cage to cage talking to these beautiful, sad and lost animals. If I could, I would take and board all of them because they are all God’s creatures. I know when my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, passes on I will be back here to take a little one home with me.

My last stop was the new Oceanside El Corazon Senior Center just off Oceanside Blvd. (760) 435-5300. I had 25 books to donate to their Library. The gentleman who helped me told me to look around and see if there were any books I’d like to trade. Forty five minutes later I emerged with four wonderful books, a mystery thriller, a metaphysical book, an autobiography and a political expose. Wow, this was truly a win-win situation!

As the Holidays approach, I hope I’ve given you some ideas on how you can help others. The beauty is that you don’t have to go out and buy things from scratch and spend a lot of money. Rather, you can donate items you’ve already bought and had fun using. There are always people in the wings, less fortunate, who would love to have your second-hands.

As I finally drove home I was on a real natural high, the kind you can never get from medications. I smiled to myself and said, Shirley, “Tis Better to Give Than to Receive!”

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.