Through these rough economic times we have heard thousands of stories about struggling families and failing businesses, each making it day by day – one paycheck or payment at a time.  Economic hardships have hit us all, but we continue to seemingly “make it”.

Yesterday, as I was crafting, I began thinking about the current economic situation and how it is affecting those people and companies who are out there to help those in need.  What about the non-profits?  Where do they turn when donors’ pockets are empty?

As a member of the Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett (SNS) Board of Directors, I understand the hardships non-profits are facing.  Donations, both corporate and individuals are at an all time low for SNS, as rings true with other non-profits.  While these people and businesses give their lives to help others, how are we, and more importantly, how can we help them?

I was continuing my crafting when the light bulb went off.  What if donations to non-profits were on our lists for the upcoming holiday season?  The simple act of kindness will help non-profits sustain throughout the hardships they are facing and the gifts we forfeit this year will be felt tenfold when the non-profits are able to continue serving our community. 

My suggestion, have everyone donate one to five dollars for each person in the family.  For example, if your family has 20 members, and each member donates $20, you will raise $400 for your non-profit.  This Christmas, I’m going to ask my family to donate to Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett (www.specialneedsschools.org), my choice non-profit, instead of purchasing gifts for one another.

Let the true Christmas spirit fill your families this holiday season by helping out the non-profits in your area.

What non-profit is special to you and your family?  Post comments with suggestions for others!

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