The Joy of Giving

By Kellie Lala

In 2005 I traveled to Tanzania in East Africa for my first safari.  It was a life changing experience in ways that I never expected.  My trip leader and guide was Modest Bayo.  One afternoon, he asked the group if we would like to go to his school that he had started.  At that time there were just 75 students in elementary grades.  He had started the school in his own home.  I was so touched by that experience and the children that I met, I began raising money for the school thru my church.  Today, the school teaches over 375 students thru 7^th grade.  There are 90 boarding students as well. 

This journey has been a deeply rewarding and touching addition to my life.  Why do I tell you this story?  Because as we are in the holiday season, it is important that we all look at ways that we give back.  That can be in many forms; a cash donation to a favorite cause, volunteering at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen, taking a freshly baked plate of cookies to a shut-in and the list goes on.  Marketers are always looking for ways to reach the consumer.  Take note of how some big companies are “giving back” (Target gives a specific % back to every community in which they have stores).    What will you do?  How will you bring joy to others this holiday season?