Giving Your Time

Some of the most appreciated gifts are gifts of your time and can cost little or no money.

For new parents: Take in a meal, run errands, do laundry, clean house, take baby's sibling(s) for an outing, or baby-sit while the new parents go to dinner.

When someone is hospitalized or sick for an extended period: Send daily cards, run errands, visit family in waiting room with water, healthy snacks, current magazines, maybe just sit for a while.

Nursing home patients: Send cards and visit! If their diet allows, take in lunch for the both of you or some home-baked items. Write letters or cards for them to their friends and family. Include them in your life.

For those who have recently lost a loved one: Taking in meals is always a help, but so is cleaning their car inside and out, doing laundry, cleaning house, or just sitting and listening.

For adult children with children: Volunteer to baby-sit while they go out for an evening. If you are able, take the children overnight or stay at their home overnight while the parents enjoy an overnight trip.

Think of what would be helpful and welcomed by you in that circumstance. Think with your heart as well as your head.