Vero’s Season of Thanks & Giving

Season of GivingOur community in Vero Beach embraces an incredible generosity of spirit year round.  This spirit of thanks and giving becomes most apparent as we count our blessings & gather with our loved ones today, Thanksgiving.  Sadly our day of thanks and all the gratitudes that warm our souls seem to fade so very quickly.  Even before the turkey defrosts, our attentions are assaulted with Madison Avenue, “Mad Men” pitches to leave the hearth and dishes behind as we race to get that “perfect” holiday gift.  We seem compelled to honor this frenzy of giving in this manic manner.  Maybe we SHOULD embrace this gifting in a softer, kinder & gentler way.

As we give thanks surrounded by the warmth of good food, family & friends, may we also give thanks for the charitable gifts we are able to bestow on others.  These are the gifts that Black Friday and Cyber Monday do NOT provide.  These ARE THE GIFTS which keep on giving throughout the year and quite often change lives.  After all, how many times do we anxiously ponder what to purchase as “the perfect gift” for those on our list?  How many things do we (or they) really want or need?  Turn that anxiety into a paradigm shift of giving by opening your eyes, hearts (and yes, even wallets) to the needs in our very own community.  As John F. Kennedy so famously said:  “To those whom much is given, much is expected.” (Uncommon Wisdom of John F. Kennedy: A Portrait in His Own Words)  

It is always better to give than receive.  Though, I must say, I receive so very much from Vero Beach.  Thank you Vero for the gifts of the sea:  majestic surf & panoramas; soft sand for toes to land in on beach strolls; magical treasures tossed ashore during high tide; outstanding sunrises & sunsets; the excitement of a fish on a line and sun to warm the body & soul.  Thank you Vero for cherishing & protecting the Lagoon.  Thank you Vero for citrus, pineapples, farmers markets, horses, boats, concerts, parks, art & theatre.  Thank you Vero for the gifts of a generous, happy, kind and caring community.  Thank you Vero for your rich history and small town soul.  Thank you Vero for giving.

These are the gifts that make one so very grateful.  These are the gifts that keep on giving. These are the gifts that inspire to give in return.  And giving is truly the best gift you can give.  On this Thanksgiving Day, give thanks and give a thought as to how you might give in return.  Giving fills the heart with peace and joy.  Giving is one of the greatest gifts we humans can bestow on each other.

Today and in the next few weeks, take a look beyond the lights and purchases and see where you might truly give.  Gifting, ladies and gentlemen, is where we find the true spirit of the holiday season.

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There are so VERY MANY charities and valuable non-profits that do so VERY MUCH for Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast.  Find one that you can believe in and give what you can:  time, money, thanks.  

Here are some that I truly believe in as “Gift” Suggestions:


E Angelse-Angels

They have been receiving requests from people who would like to make donations to e-Angels as their holiday gift to their loved ones.

Lorraine Dierks, Executive Director
help@e-angels.org
http://www.e-angels.org

To make a holiday donation and receive gift cards like the one pictured that you can enclose in your holiday cards, please click on the following link:

http://bit.ly/e-AngelsHoliday

e-Angels Holiday Gift Card

e-Angels Holiday Gift Card

 

Suncoast Mental HealthSuncoast Mental Health Center, Inc.

“Suncoast is dedicated to community based and family centered care to help ensure success and safety for every child we serve.” Suncoast recently sponsored two amazing appearances by author Tanya Brown in Stuart & Vero Beach to discuss her book:  “Finding Peace Amid the Chaos”.

Art Ciasca, CEO
aciasca@smhcinc.org
(772) 489-4726
http://www.suncoastmentalhealth.org

Find Tanya Brown on Facebook or http://www.tanyabrown.net/ or tanya@tanyabrown.net.

 

Gifford Youth Activity CenterGifford Youth Activity Center Christmas Exchange Toy Drive

Collecting toys for children ages 6 to 18.  Bring unwrapped new toys and/or tax deductible donations to the Gifford Center:  4875 43rd Avenue in Vero Beach before December 19th.  Call (772) 794-1005 for gift ideas and further information.

 

gfnfGuardians for New Futures 2014 Holiday Gift Drive

Guardians for New Futures is a nonprofit organization providing support and advocacy for maltreated children on the Treasure Coast. Drop off unwrapped new toys, gift cards, donations or items to “fill a child’s wish list” by December 15th.  Locations:  Noteworthy by Design in the Village Shops & Corey’s Pharmacy.

(772) 359-2824 or (772) 807-3868
dbutler@gfnf4kids.org
http://gfnf4kids.org/

 

Toys For TotsToys for Tots

You can contribute to your local Toys for Tots campaign in several ways. You can donate a toy at one of the area toy drop locations, host a Toys for Tots event at your home, office or other venue and collect toys for Toys for Tots, or volunteer at the local warehouse.

http://vero-beach-fl.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx

 

The Salvation ArmySalvation Army, Christmas Angel Tree Program

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

http://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/news/christmas_angel_tree_2013

Other Treasure Coast locations:

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/plugins/gdosCenterSearch?query=32963&mode=query_1&limit=20

Sherry Nist
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