There but for the Grace of God...

If your mom was anything like mine, she probably reminded you a lot to consider the less fortunate when you got to feeling sorry for yourself. As a kid I rolled my eyes, but my ears were still working. Childish protestations aside, my mom was absolutely right. If times are hard for you, they are probably worse for someone else in your community. There's no time like the present to lend a hand.

The Thanksgiving holiday is a great reminder to us all to be grateful for what we have, and to help others around us as well. As the weather gets colder and heat bills go up, need in communities across the nation increases. Food banks all over are struggling with rising costs and rising need, and some are going broke in the face of these challenges. It's time for us all to step up and take a little of that burden to help each other.

Either we stand together, or we fall apart, right?

So here's your homework assignment this week: I challenge you to find a little to give. Whether you look through your closet and weed out old blankets and coats, or find a bit of extra in your budget for the local food bank, any little bit helps.

Compliments of msn.com, here is a summarized list of top ten needs of food banks in your area:

1. CASH
2. Proteins, like canned meats, oils, and peanut butter
3. Soups and stews
4. Rice and pasta
5. Cereals and oatmeal
6. Canned or dried beans or peas
7. Canned fruits
8. Fruit juice
9. Prepared box mixes like mac-n-cheese or hamburger helper
10. Dehydrated or evaporated milk

In addition to the top ten, a lot of local charities find need for non-food items this time of year as well. Things like hygiene items, blankets, sweaters, and coats are all in high demand as well.

Whether you can spare food items, money, or just a few old blankets, every little bit helps someone. Resale stores like St. Vincent de Paul or Salvation Army can even use other odds and ends to make money for their food pantries, and to provide low-cost household items and Christmas gifts to those who need them most. Money, goods, and even time go a long way to help those who need them most, and it takes so very little to give.

So this week, count your blessings and give thanks by sharing whatever you can. You have my word that it will come back to you someday.