A Different Kind of Holiday!

Happy holiday's everyone!!! The holiday time is always a festive Make A Difference time of the year! From the lighting of the festive lights on Chicago's Michigan Avenue and New York's Rockefeller Center tree lighting to Seattle's brilliant star becoming bright on the former Bon Marché. Being a big family guy, I have been tremendously blessed to have a wonderful supportive family to enjoy the holidays with.

I am, however, reminded of the many people who do not have good relationships with their families or even families to spend the holidays with. If this is truly the season for giving, then perhaps we all should re-examine our activities and actions.

One thing that comes to mind is providing invitations to the many that do not have a place to call home during this holiday time. It's a simple gesture and one that you will be rewarded by. How hard is it to ask a pal or acquaintance if they have holiday plans?

Secondly, there is still a tremendous need for support of the victims in New Orleans, the countless fires, and natural disasters! By clicking below, you can give to some of the Red Cross areas of need and truly make this a better holiday season for many suffering families.

In addition, there is a great necessity for donations to local area Food Banks ! Especially this time of year! Perhaps instead of purchasing that gift for someone that won't last more than a week or two, you can give a gift in the name of someone to the food bank in your area! Religious or not, that is the most important focus for the festivities! (My opinion!)

Finally, be sure to check out the links below to other groups in the Chicago land community. If the reason for the season is to give of your self, then Make A Difference today in the lives of people!

Red Cross
The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors—across the street, across the country and across the world—in emergencies.

Greater Chicago Food Depository
In any given week, more than 91,300 people rely on the food provided by the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Howard Brown Health Center
Howard Brown promotes the well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons through the provision of health care and wellness programs, including clinical, educational, social service and research activities.

Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN)
Founded in 1987, TPAN continues to grow and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of those affected by HIV and AIDS.

The Center on Halsted
Providing support groups for youth and seniors; psychotherapy services; an info line for LGBT individuals and a hotline for HIV and STD concerns; prevention, treatment, and advocacy related to domestic violence; and a range of life-enrichment programs

Chicago House
Chicago House has served over one thousand homeless Chicagoans living with HIV and has continuously evolved to meet the changing realities of the disease. This is an organization devoted to Making A Difference!!

May this holiday season be all about Making A Difference!!