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U.S. GOVERNMENT 3: Tis the Season for Giving Back

Amidst all the political talk, updates from Iraq, and flu reports on the Internet and in the media, we are approaching the American holiday season. Christian believers are celebrating Christmas, Jewish folks are celebrating Hannukah, and many African Americans are celebrating Kwanzaa. Nearly every American identifies with some reason to celebrate this time of year, whether it is Santa Claus or the culture of the African American people or the turn of the New Year. Some Americans also believe this is the season for giving back.

Students in the United States and Canada have found many ways to help other kids in need during the holidays and all year long. Jordyn Harrison, a 12-year-old boy in Canada, sends foster children duffle bags with a stuffed animal or similar toy inside. An 11-year-old American girl, Mackenzie Snyder started a similar charity when she discovered foster children are often given only a plastic garbage bag to move their belongings in from home to home. She has raised 50 thousand dollars so far for collecting and distributing the bags and goodies. Mackenzie includes a personal note of encouragement in each bag.

In Ohio, a nine-year-old girl named Michelle raised two thousand dollars to rebuild a playground that had burned down. And, in Michigan, two teenage girls rode unicycles 21 miles to raise nine hundred ollars for a local women's shelter. There are hundreds of other stories from around the nation, and around the world, of children who give back to those in need.

It is easy to find opportunities to help others during the holiday season. Every time shoppers enter and exit a grocery store, they will most likely hear the "ding-ding!" of the Salvation Army bell and see the red-and-green-decorated contribution pot and attendant standing outside in the cold. Some shoppers give a one-time gift, while others may drop in their change every day. At many schools and places of work, students and employees will have toy drives, canned food drives, blanket donations, gift-wrapping fundraisers, candy-selling fundraisers, and a variety of other events.

While you are making rounds for holiday shopping and parties this year, take a look around you to see how someone can give back to the community and help those in need. You might be surprised at how creative and rewarding giving back can be.

--Written by Lauri Putt

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