When we give, it should be out of a sense that it is the right thing to do; not because we want our name on a building or an award named in our honor. If you recall the Monopoly game that McDonald’s sponsors annually, you may remember that the million dollar prize was awarded to the winner who discovered the Park Place card tucked into their food purchase. When the winning piece was finally unearthed, it was sent to a non-for-profit children’s hospital in a plain, white envelope with no note, no name and no return address. This, faithful reader, is giving at its best!

Finally, its wonderful to hear that individuals have donated priceless collectibles. Speaking as someone who loves to collect, its hard to part with the tangible treasures I’ve obtained over the years. However,

When a one-of-a-kind item is given to help those in need, it reminds us that life is short and we are simply borrowing everything we acquire.

At this time of year, please think of these stories when you give. Now, I’m not suggesting you take your great-great grandmother’s silver tea kettle to the nearest discount store and stuff it into a bell ringer’s bucket.

However, Make a game of giving! Think of ways you can turn charity into an exciting way to assist! Can you slip a gift certificate under the door of someone who could really use some assistance? Or have a delivery of food items made to a pantry, completely leaving your name out of it? Or, maybe something that doesn’t cost money at all! How about a visit to a retirement center just to sit and talk with residents for a while?