The Counseling Corner
By Rev. Judith T. Lester, B.Min. M.Th
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Prov. 11:25
This is the season of thanksgiving and giving. Since a thankful, grateful heart gives, you will be encouraged this month to find opportunities to give to others. Giving to others isn’t just about the financial gifts; giving can involve serving others, a smile, a kind word, giving of one’s time or skills. Giving, regardless of its form, is a real way we can express our love and concern to others. An organization that has a heart and history for giving is the Salvation Army. This month, this column will spotlight this organization for its charitable work.
The Salvation Army started in 1865 by William Booth. He saw a need for ministering to the poor and needy in England with the gospel of Jesus the Christ. His ministry began as a street ministry and those who responded to the gospel message were directed to local churches. Booth saw a need to offer a place for these converts to worship and be discipled and founded the East London Christian Mission. Booth referred to the believers as God’s army and thus the name “Salvation Army” was created.
Each year the Salvation Army, in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, sponsors its Toy Shop. The Toy Shop offers parents the opportunity to shop for new toys for their children that have been donated and collected in the community. Parents make selections based on the age and gender of their children and are able to surprise them on Christmas morning.
The Salvation Army accepts new toys for children year-round. Unwrapped new toys can be brought to any Salvation Army Center for Worship and Service (not Family Thrift Stores) or placed in the Toys for Tots boxes found at various retail sites throughout the Milwaukee and Waukesha County area. The biggest need is for both boys and girls ages 8-15 years old. Here is a partial list of toys needed:
Boys:
• Any sport balls
• Lego Sets
• Action, cartoon and adventure figures
• Hot Wheel gift sets, remote cars and trucks
• Science Kits
• Train sets, racing sets, drones
• Virtual Headsets
Girls:
•Anything Barbie, dolls of color, Princess dolls
• Lego sets
• Easy bake oven, toy kitchen sets
• Shopkins Sets, Baby Alive
• Kid make-up sets, kid nail polish sets
• Doc McStuffins
• Moana
Teen Males:
• Sports stuff
• Shaving/cologne gift sets
• Bluetooth speakers
• Skateboards
• Drones
• Virtual Headset
Teen Females:
• Make-up sets, nail polish sets
• Jewelry
• Hair curling irons, flat irons, blow dryers
• Perfume sets, bath and body sets
• Purse
• Watch sets
Beloved, giving has a boomerang effect. When we give and help others, we in turn feel a sense of happiness. Make a difference in someone’s life by giving, whether it’s through volunteering, giving to a charity or simply paying someone a compliment. Nothing is more gratifying than knowing you have made a palpable difference in the lives of others. Furthermore, since giving is contagious, who knows, your giving may stimulate a cascade of generosity and kindness throughout the community this holiday season.
Next Week: Registering for the Toy Shop
The writer does not assume responsibility in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize information or recommendations made in this article, as they may not be necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.