With Christmas Day closing in, many residents may be rushing around in last-minute panics buying gifts, preparing to host family and friends or setting off to visit relatives. These few days leading up to Dec. 25 can be extremely stressful, but now more than ever it's crucial to remember what is really important at this time of year.
The holidays are not about going broke, getting in a fight over a parking spot at a busy mall or blowing a gasket at someone in a store after a long wait in line. At least, they're not supposed to be.What we should be doing over the next little while is slowing down, enjoying the special moments and spreading some kindness and good cheer.And it's easy for everyone to do. Just start by deciding to do three good things between now and Christmas, solely for the benefit of others.If anyone's looking for suggestions on where to begin, they need look no further than Toronto's Daily Bread Food Bank or the Salvation Army kettles in shopping centres around the city. Both organizations have said this week they are struggling to meet their donation targets for their holiday and winter campaigns.Daily Bread has raised about 500,000 pounds of food donations so far, though the target for Jan. 3 is 1.2 million pounds. Granted there's probably still a large number of school and corporate donations to be collected, however, the need is clearly there.It's the same with the Salvation Army, which has set a nationwide goal of $19 million this Christmas, and with the campaign in its final week is still $6 million short.Residents should go right now to their kitchen cupboards and grab a few items, be it some dried pasta, canned food, peanut butter, rice, whatever you might have a bit extra of and make a donation to a food bank. Donating to a food bank couldn't be easier. There are large boxes in virtually every grocery store, religious institution and fire halls accepting donations. This will not take more than 20 minutes out of your day, and it will be of enormous benefit to those less fortunate.But if even that's going to take too much time out of your busy holiday schedule, simply call Daily Bread up at 416-203-0050 or visit them online at www.dailybread.ca to make a financial donation.Helping the Salvation Army is also pretty easy as the kettles and bell ringers beside them can be found in numerous locations where people shop. While every donation is welcomed, those who are able to might think about making a larger contribution than normal since the need is so great this year. Those who can't drop cash in the kettles can make a donation by visiting www.SalvationArmy.ca or calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.Of course, there are many other worthy charity campaigns taking place this time of year and readers are encouraged to give to the organizations of their choice.