Tis the time of year for giving......

This is the time of the year to give, and I just heard a message from my local radio station suggesting that people support two organizations that are helping in very worthwhile areas.

I am posting the information on these groups here because I wanted to give you pointers to a couple of groups that I myself think are worthwhile....but I know there are plenty of local groups all around the country that do great worthwhile work.

The first group I wanted to mention is the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

From their website, the organization describes itself like this:

MISSION: The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

GOAL: The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help needy children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation's most valuable natural resources - our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

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Then there is Operation Care Package..

From their website:

Operation Care Package is a volunteer 501 (c)(3) public charity, dedicated to our mission that no Hero serving our Nation should be forgotten.

Our goal is to support our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen through care packages and letters of encouragement.

The group was formed in March of 2003, by Debbie Smothers, Debbie Durawa, and Pat Curran. Debbie Smothers' brother, David Bishop, an Army Green Beret for 19 years, has served in Iraq, Afghanistan and many other countries. Debbie Durawa's son, Matthew Zwolinski, and Pat Curran's son, Joe Curran, both serve in the Army and were deployed in Iraq.

Some of the soldiers don't receive anything in the mail, and they exist on little supplies," said Smothers. I don't think any of them should go without something from mail call."

With the help of so many generous individuals and businesses throughout the Country, we have been able to reach thousands of our Heroes throughout the world.

We could not continue this vital work without your help. Thank you, and please continue to keep all of our Military and their Commanders in your thoughts and prayers.

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No matter what our station in life, I believe it is our responsibility to reach out and help our fellow humans in need, and I urge everyone to do what they can.