It is that time of year – when we kids at heart hearken back to snowy trips to Grandma’s house, waiting breathlessly for the morning of the 25th, and the giddy excitement as we run down the hall toward the tree to see what Santa left under the tree. Many of us get to relive these moments through our own kids as their eyes brighten because of the season…and the late night followed by an early, early morning.

 

With that sense of wonder freshened in your minds, I would like to start you thinking about your gift-giving habits this Holiday season. We all too often give a gift that does little for the recipient (think about the last ugly sweater you got from someone). And, I don’t know about you, but my place if full of things that I might touch or look at once or twice a year. Frankly, I have all the junk I need. What I’d really like for a change is something truly useful.

The problem is, what do I see as being useful? Webster’s Dictionary defines “useful” as: “1. capable of being put to use or account; 2. capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose; 3. providing service or assistance.” It is definition number 3 that catches my eye – and matches my philosophy of Holiday Giving.  I want something that is able to provide service or assistance to someone who needs it.

This year, when you are making your list and checking it twice, look at the names on that list and think to yourself: what would this person do if they had the ability to give to the needy? Would they keep the gift or would they hand it to someone who really needed the help? If they would keep the gift, give them the ugly sweater. But, if they are the kind of person who would help someone less fortunate, help them to do that through your gift this year.

CLICK HERE and make a donation to TRR in their name. Be sure to select your local chapter in the “Donation Target” field…and if you don’t have a local chapter, feel free to dontate to Susquehanna Valley (PA-Susquehanna Valley) or the National organization (General Funds). And, to present your gift to them, make them a dozen of their favorite cookies and include a nice card telling them how they have helped America’s disabled, wounded, and hurting Veterans this year.

Then, challenge them to get involved with us – to go seek out their local chapter of this organization and find a way to help out. That is the real purpose of giving gifts, in my opinion…paying it forward.

The Susquehanna Valley chapter of Team River Runner wishes each of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Feliz Navidad, Happy Diwali, Blessed Winter Solstice, etc.! Now get your dry-suits on and get out on the water!

#SVTRR #TRR #ButtsInBoats