Give until it feels good

   "Giving to others enriches lives" was the title of a Post editorial on January 2. The writer listed many organizations to which readers could contribute and enrich the lives of the donor and receiver alike. And the focus was on cash donations.
   
   Anyone who has ever worked with a church or local coop has probably seen the mountains of food and clothing that are often available for those in need. But when the electric bill is due, Georgia Power wants cash. A few dollars from several individuals can go a long way to help keep a family warm for the winter.
But some people just get a warmer feeling giving specific goods and knowing exactly where their money is going. Or maybe they just like to shop. For these givers, the Dream House for Medically Fragile Children offers lots of warm fuzzy opportunities. Laura Moore, founder and president of the Dream House compiled a wish list.

   The top item addresses the bottommost need: Charmin Ultra toilet paper.
"Some of our kids have very sore bottoms and need soft tissue," said Moore.
She also lists Bounty paper towels, Huggies diaper wipes, Puffs tissues, extra-large diapers and Depends.

   Tide liquid detergent and kitchen-sized garbage bags are also on-going needs. 
Giving to the Dream House does not even have to involve money. Any gently used educational toys, beginning reader books for K-3 grade level, car seats and puzzles for toddlers and young children are always welcome.

   Then there's always the gift of time. Volunteer opportunities abound and many youth groups, garden clubs and organizations like the Bellsouth Pioneers have painted, built ramps and planted trees to get the Dream House off the ground. On-going activities include yard maintenance such as raking leaves for the Yellow River Game Ranch. Cub Scout Den 2 from Pack 502 did just that to help the Dream House, the animals-and themselves by earning a badge.

   If you like fundraising, coordinating events or doing office work, there's work to be done! And if after all these suggestions, you still prefer to give cash, well, that works, too. It can always go towards expensive medical equipment.

   But the biggest need of all is for adoptive or foster families who would be willing to give a medically fragile child a home. 

   The Dream House staff of medical professionals offers free training and support for anyone willing to give in this way.

   "It's not as hard or complicated as you might think," said Moore. "Please call us. We can show you how you can change the world for one of God's special angels."

   There's an old expression that goes "Give until it hurts." When you give to enrich lives, I think it's more like, "Give until it feels good."

   (To care for a medically fragile child, call Childkind, 404-248-1980. For a child from DFACS, call 1-877-201-KIDS. Or visit www.dreamhouseforkids.org 

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