We all know the story called The Gift of the Magi, but let me give a little synopsis, from Wikipedia for those of our readers who have not heard of the story, or who have just forgotten.
Jim and Della Dellingham are a young couple who are very much in love with each other, but can barely afford their one-room apartment opposite the elevated train due to their very bad economic condition. For Christmas, Della decides to buy Jim a chain for his prized pocket watch given to him by his father. To raise the funds, she has her prized long hair cut off and sold to make a wig. Meanwhile, Jim decides to sell his watch to buy Della a beautiful set of combs for her lovely, knee-length hair. Although each is disappointed to find the gift they chose rendered useless, each is pleased with the gift they received, because it represents the other's love for them.
The true unselfish love that the characters, Jim and Della, share is greater than their possessions.
Click here to read the entire The Gift of the Magi.
In the spirit of the Holidays let us remember this beautiful story and remember the importance of giving. Yes, presents are nice, but are they always necessary? Especially now, in the turbulent economic struggle...think of those who need assistance. Over the coming weeks we will provide you with ideas of giving and organizations who would appreciate financial, or volunteer support.
The first non-profit I'd like to introduce is the My Angel Foundation. As many of you know, this is the non-profit that sponsors Revive Hope. My Angel Foundation is dedicated to inspiring hope through compassion, educating the community about the importance of organ and tissue donation, and supporting those touched by organ and tissue donation.
Ted Cochran is the President and founder of the foundation. He was blessed with a life saving kidney transplant almost two years ago. His mother not only gave him the gift of life once, but twice, by giving him one of her kidneys. After transplant, Ted knew that he wanted to pass on his gift by honoring his mother. Because of Ted's dream hundreds and hundreds of people in Iowa have been introduced to the importance of organ and tissue donation. Please help his dream grow by donating monetarily or by becoming a volunteer.