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Even in these tough times we must continue to be thankful and giving

By
Real Estate Agent with Your Paradise Group

Go to fullsize imageI am the chair of our Realtor Outreach Committee for the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors in Northwest Florida.  We have for the last 3 years been assisting our local auxiliary Marine Corp in the local Toys for Tots campaign.  Last Friday we had our kick off meeting and it was awesome!  I was so touched by how many of our members showed up to be a part of it.  It just re-confirmed what I already knew in my heart that our local Realtors and Affiliates have the biggest hearts of all and know the true meaning of giving back.

In our local area we already have over 9400 children to provide for this year compared to 7500 last year and I fully expect that number to grow.  These children did not ask to be put in this position and many are here due to the difficult economy.  Perhaps their parents lost their jobs or their homes and the only Christmas they will receive is through the gifts from the Toys for Tots program.  I know this problem is nationwide, so I encourage each of you to purchase one toy for your local program and you will be amazed at how great you will feel.  Encourage your co-workers and your children to give.  It is true when they say, "It is far better to give than to receive".

I know that many of us are struggling to keep our own families afloat and are keeping our holiday spending to a minimum, but you do not have to spend a fortune.  You can certainly purchase a wonderful gift for under $20.00.  I know the children in the 11-17 age range get left out the most but boxed jewelry sets, curling irons, make up, manicure sets, wallets, basketballs, soccer balls are all great ideas.  Can you just imagine the joy on a child's face when they receive a gift?  That truly is the best gift I could ask for.

So remember that we may be having to tighten our belts a bit these days, but we still have lots of things to be grateful for and we should remind ourselves of that fact every day.  Why not make a list of things you are grateful for in your lives and post it where you can review it every day.  I guarantee you will feel blessed and that will replace any stress.

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Comments(6)

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Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

An excellent post, and a very timely reminder.     Thank you!

Nov 17, 2008 04:32 AM
Tony Wangrycht
OneAmerica - Seminole, FL - Seminole, FL

God Bless you and your efforts. Toys for Tots has always been one of our favorite charities.

Nov 17, 2008 07:13 AM
Lisa A. Norton
Your Paradise Group - Fort Walton Beach, FL

Li:  Thanks so much for the kind words.  I am glad to know people enjoyed it.

Tony:  Thank you for the blessing.  I just received word that our number increased to 9600 as of today.

 

Lisa

 

Nov 17, 2008 08:58 AM
Michelle Gordon
JH Realty Partners - Ada, MI
Finding Your Place

WCR Western Michigan Chapter does toys for tots at our annual Christmas party!  It is a lot of fun......the boys come pick it up, and always dance with a few of us!  There is always someone worse off..............and always someone better off.............so never judge, and help where you can!

Nov 17, 2008 10:29 AM
Kelly Klein
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Pen Fed Realty - Santa Rosa Beach, FL
"Doing Great Things Today to Improve Tomorrow"

My mother is a giver.  She gives endlessly of her time through volunteerism and loves to give gifts, but is not such a good receiver of them.  She told all of us that because she was broke this year she could not give us Christmas Gifts and because of that she did not want any either.  Can you believe that she would try to steal the joy of giving from her children?  Well, that ain't going to happen, I can tell you that!

You are a giver too Lisa.  I have seen you give of yourself tirelessly through volunteerism as well.  This is a great cause.  We all appreciate you taking the time to do this for the children of our community.

Nov 18, 2008 02:14 AM
Robbie Fenn
Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS - Destin, FL
Robbie Lynn Fenn

Lisa - you tirelessly give of yourself to others, and the example so many of us should follow.  I'm blessed to not only call you my colleague, but my dear friend.  I am truly a better person because you're in my life.  Thank you for all you do for our community and profession. 

Dec 18, 2008 05:54 AM