Share desire to hug by helping others
Dear Readers: The week after Christmas is traditionally a sort of bloated rest period for many, where we recover from the busy holiday season.
But this year is not like other years. We have not been traveling, partying, studying in crowded lecture halls, or playing with our school friends. We have not been worshiping together, visiting our elders, or going to movies, concerts, and theater. We have been hunkered down, exhausted from the altered lifestyle none of us anticipated — and we are yearning, so deeply, to hug — and to be embraced in return.
One way to share our desire to hug — and be hugged
— is to give to organizations that help others. Your donation may go farther at a small local nonprofit than at a large charity. All contributions count. So do non-monetary acts of kindness.
All nonprofits mentioned here receive the highest rating from Charitynavigator.org.
Helping the Hungry: Feeding America is a national umbrella organization of food banks. Through their website, you can donate money to your local food bank. Enter your ZIP code into the Feeding America website to find your closest member of their network.
Helping Families: Cradles to Crayons: One of my favorite charities helping babies and children has set up “Giving Factories,” to redistribute gently used kids’ clothing, books and new school supplies. Support their work through a financial donation, volunteering, or donating goods.
Helping Health Care Workers: Direct Relief: Founded in California after WWII by an immigrant, the mission was spread by other immigrants to America, who took up the cause. Operating in all 50 states and 80 countries, over this past year they have distributed more than 46 million masks, gloves, and protective suits, equipment, and financial support to healthcare workers fighting the pandemic.
Helping Veterans: The work of building and adapting homes for disabled veterans continues with one of my favorite organizations, Homes For Our Troops.
Helping Artists: The arts have been decimated during our year-long shutdown. Please help your favorite artists by attending their livestream events, contributing to their GoFundMe pages, and donating to arts organizations and local historic venues.