The angels had it right when they announced, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” They were declaring God’s desire for a restoration of relationships, true kindness and selfless love.
The Slidell distribution site for St. Tammany Project Christmas on Dec. 11 had the look of a well-stocked pantry or grocery store subletting space to Santa’s workshop. In one area, volunteers filled baskets to the brim with nonperishable food items and a gift card for a holiday turkey or ham.
In a nearby hallway, another group was inspecting a flock of bicycles — checking everything from tire pressure to axle nuts — to make sure they were safe and ready to ride. “Before it’s over, we’ll have around 300 bikes,” said Charley LeBlanc, who has been helping with the Christmas giving project for 11 years.
Like so many other efforts all over the New Orleans area at this time of year, St. Tammany Project Christmas is aimed at making sure that families — but especially children — are not denied the basics of a Christmas season celebration. The St. Tammany volunteers wear brightly colored T-shirts emblazoned with “Giving Children Memories for a Lifetime.”
“There’s so many who get help that need it. That’s what you’re working for,” Mr. LeBlanc’s wife, Dianne, said.
At a time when anger and division seem to have overtaken every part of our lives, the message of Christmas brings us to something very different, a giving without desire for reward and a love without condition. We see it most clearly in those who volunteer their time, talents and resources to help others.
The angels had it right when they announced, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” They were declaring God’s desire for a restoration of relationships, true kindness and selfless love.
If only this spirit, we think, could last all year. But in many ways it does. The LeBlancs and so many other individuals and groups across the region spend weeks, months and sometimes the entire year preparing for a season between Thanksgiving and Christmas when the focus is on helping others and bringing joy to those in need.
But that is not all they do.
Food banks, homeless shelters, churches, volunteer organizations and more are serving others 24/7/365, but often aren’t noticed until the holiday lights shine.
The Salvation Army’s mission to “meet human needs… without discrimination” happens well beyond the ringing bells and red kettles.
The Second Harvest Food Bank supplies food for the needy and those caught in disasters in addition to laying out holiday meals.
The New Orleans Mission, Ozanam Inn and Bridge House/Grace House are caring for the homeless in all seasons along with special outreach during the holidays.
A group called Forgotten Angels helps collect gifts for homeless children through the Ozanam Inn. The toys, children’s books and clothing are collected for all ages from newborns up to age 14. The New Orleans Mission and Bridge House/Grace House host luncheons and a toy giveaway over the holidays.
Covenant House is on the frontlines helping thousands of homeless, runaway and trafficked young people during Mardi Gras as well as Christmas.
Churches that have spent the past few weeks collecting food, clothing and toys for families around the world are ministering to those in need every day. They also will be opening their doors for Christmas services and celebration, remembering the story of how Jesus came into the world in the most humble of circumstances to deliver the most precious gift that God could bestow:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.”
Perhaps you have had a chance to be a part of this giving spirit. If not, there almost certainly will be opportunities not just next year but all year. The organizations mentioned here and others you may have spotted doing good works almost always have ways to volunteer or contribute.
It’s called getting into the spirit. And it can happen any time of the year.
