A Season of Giving!

Photo posted on Flickr from clappstar

It's that time of year again.  On Thanksgiving Day, when Santa came at the end of the Macy's day parade it was official.  It's time to take kids to sit on Santa's lap, exchange gifts among family and friends, and listen to classic Christmas carols.  These are some of the best times in a child's life, but not everybody is fortunate to have a surplus of gifts on Christmas morning.  For some, anything at all would be a blessing.   Austin has a wonderful organization called Blue Santa to help support these children and their families.  Run by the Austin Police Department, the Austin Fire Department, Texas National Guard, Austin Energy, and Austin Parks and Recreation, they provide families with a Christmas meal and toys for children under 14 in each family.  This is all about the giving spirit.  All of these presents and meals are donated by Austin locals.  Part of Christmas is not being selfish and thinking about other people’s needs rather than your own.  This past Saturday was the Chuys Children Giving to Children Parade.  This was a traditional parade with giant character balloons, floats, and performances, but there was something different and charitable.  Throughout the parade, there were trucks picking up toys which children had brought to the parade to give to Blue Santa.  Although it was rainy, windy and cold on Saturday, there was a great outcome for the parade.  Blue Santa has many other events, so check out their website (linked above) for more information on what you can do to help.  And don't forget, it is a giving season!

-Elena Cole (The Short One)