Conscious giving this Holiday season

As we embark into the holiday season-please, rethink what we are purchasing as gifts. Please, support local owned businesses and artists. Try to avoid companies that outsource jobs, or import foreign goods and materials. 

Help your children make their gifts for family and friends- or even make them yourself. Or make a family agreement to purchase personal care and household items for those in need at this time of year. Donate your time as a family to a shelter or elder care facility.Donate toys for children who would love and cherish your gift. 

Together we can make this a kinder and more meaningful holiday season, and who knows- you make get the holiday bug all year long...:)

 

If you need ideas or sources- just send me an email!-
Remember- It takes A Village- Marianne Goldweber
A Village- Development Center, Cleveland ohio
216.324.2657
Mariannegoldweber@yahoo.com

Getting serious about Serving.. Join us!

When I realized that I was about to embark on this Spiritual journey, I knew that once I went through that door, there was no turning back. I would be forever changed. There was no going back to my illusionary, problematic life- where I was whining and resistant to seeing anyones suffering but my own.

A Spiritual life is selfless- not in that you don't care for your own needs, but in a way that if my needs aren't met- I cannot fully Serve the needs of humanity.

Part of our Village philosphy is about  Selfless serving and  compassionate giving.
What the hell is that, you ask?
Well, Selfless Serving is unconditional, without condition- without  being thanked, rewarded or acknowledged for  our contribution.
Compassionate giving is to everyone, even those that some feel are not deserving- the addict- the  imprisoned- the greedy- the demanding. the ungrateful. Because you see- it is not in what is given- it is given with compassion- the energy attached is not about the recipient, it is about the giver.

I began this journey serving women in transitional housing, and then contributed through the  homeless shelters and then through other non profit outreach facilities- like the Salvation Army.

I didn't know (at that time)  the impoverished commutity firsthand, so I alligned myself with those who work directly with those in  need.
Since that time- I have advocated, raised awareness, collected non cash donations, solicited non cash donations from businesses and supported individuals, families and agencies that make a difference directly.

There are risks too-
There are liars, criminals, and deviant behaviors. There is pedophilia, rape and rap sheets. There is only a basic survival instinct to take- some are rude and ungrateful- somehow created by our separateness as a society and lack of Love.
 and ...you may fall in love...with mankind- even if they haven't bathed- or are mentally ill- or elderly and alone..their eyes tell a story, and their stories are amazing. They connect to your god light and you will become the weeping Buddha- for someone created their suffering and their suffering is palpable.
It can overwhelm and consume you.

Then there are the children-who never got to believe in Santa- because it is an illusion that parents can't fill. Like flowers in  the sidewalk crack- they grow and  thrive in spite of their  living conditions, they laugh and play and wish wishes and dream dreams. Some, who's reality is your worst nightmare.

And we choose to Serve, even at great personal risk of insignificance.

Beginning this year- our Collective effort as a personal and spiritual development center is to commit  to making a difference in our communities. Last year- we served over 100 individuals and falmilies with  every day products, food and clothes, advocacy and spiritual support. This year, our goal is over 500 individuals and families that we can make a difference to. Sound like a tall order? Not really. Here is what we can do;

If every person on my facebook friends list contributed the following- Today, that would be 778 people. If those shared it with 1 friend- that number would double. So 500 seems relatively easy!
If you can give 1 thing. on the list.
Also, it doesn;t matter where you live- there are shelters and agencies in your area that need the support.

Here is what each person can contribute;
1 tube toothpaste
1 toothbrush
1 pack of mens socks
1 washcloth
1 towel
1 lotion
1 shampoo
1 laundry soap
2 paper towels
1 large toilet  paper
1 pack light bulbs
laundry detergent
cleaner
hydrogen peroxide
bandaids
feminine products
hairbrush
mens under wear(new)

Now....there are  other items that are in desperate need- new or used and CLEAN
mens clothing (all kinds)
Boots (men women and children)
Shoes (mens women and children)
Coats (mens women and children)
hats, scarves and gloves (mens women and children)
long under wear
Blankets and throws- new or used  and CLEAN please. (no comforters -they are too hard to wash)


Care Alliance-Will take old prescription meds to redistribute to the sick homeless by doctors.There are a number of their health care facilities in Cleveland.

Health Care Alliance (216) 781-3414 2227 Payne Ave, Cleveland, OH Get Directions

Thank you for being part of my Village, and together- we can make a difference in our changing world.
Peace and Love
Marianne Goldweber
216.324.2657
Mariannegoldweber@yahoo.com
www.avillagecleveland.com