The Christmas Story…

December 21st, 2010 by admin

So it is increasingly important for us… for you and I… to find ways to help where we can to serve those who are hungry or homeless in these trying days. Christmas is but a reminder of that obligation that we have the year long to help in someway… Donating to the local food pantry, serving meals not just on Thanksgiving and Christmas… but setting aside some time on a regular basis throughout the year to serve those in need, donating time and /or money to help… to do for others.

In our community there are many opportunities to help… TEAM (the Trussville Ecumenical Assistive Ministry) located on Cedar Street is a great place to start. While TEAM’s mission is not focused on the homeless, it does provide services to families that may prevent those families from losing their home by providing resources that allow them to have the monies to pay their rent or house payments.

There are also a large number of organizations in the Birmingham area offering services to the homeless that could doubtless use our assistance. For more information visit my blog or the following link:

http://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/cgi-bin/id/opensearch.cgi?city=Birmingham&state=AL

In his book, Who Really Cares, Arthur Brooks defines charity broadly as “voluntary, beneficial, ‘affectionate’ acts that have the ability to transform the giver and receiver in unique and important ways.” Generosity, he declares, is mutually beneficial for the needy and the nurturing. Brooks also observes: “Although 225 million Americans give away money each year, the other 75 million never give to any causes, charities, or churches. Further, 130 million Americans never volunteer their time.”

What will you give?

“I tell you, whatever you did not do for the least of these, you did not do for me.”

May the spirit of Christmas be with you throughout the year.

_______

Local Homeless Resources…

http://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/

Salvation Army 205-328-5656

2130 11th Avenue North

Birmingham, AL 35234

Greater Birmingham Ministries 326-6821

2304 12th Avenue North

Birmingham, AL 35234