The perfect gift for the holidays!

As the days grow shorter, we begin to think about the holidays and one of the great stressors of that time of the year: Finding The Perfect Gift for The Person Who Has Everything!

I have several of those in my life--people who go out and buy what they want and need instead of waiting, like good friends and family, until the holidays so that I will have some idea of what to get them. Over the past several years, I have learned just how to handle this.

Most of my friends and family members have some cause for which they work tirelessly or to which they donate regularly. A few years ago, I began to realize that the simplest and best gift that I can give is a donation in honor of someone on my list to an organization that supports a cause dear to that person's heart.

Recognizing what is important to a person tells that person that you care about him or her--enough to notice how they spend their time; enough to support the causes that they support. In this time when so many are in need, your tribute gift will not only warm the heart of a loved one, but also the hearts of those working for the organization to whom the gift was made and ultimately (and in my mind, most importantly) the hearts of those who receive services as a result of your gift. Whether your loved one's cause is people, animals, the environment, or another worthy cause, there is an organization that will welcome your gift.

Most organizations will mail a card to the honoree or make another sort of acknowledgement of your tribute. If you decide to make a tribute gift as a Christmas or holiday gift, be sure to check with the organization to see when their deadline is for assuring that your honoree will receive their notice by the holiday.

InterServ acknowledges tribute/honor and memorial gifts by mailing a card to the person of the donor's choice and by publishing the tribute in our "InTouch" newsletter. For acknowledgements to be printed in the Holiday "InTouch" newsletter, your tribute or memorial gift must be received by October 14. Gifts received after October 14 will appear in the Spring "InTouch" newsletter, however, honorees will still receive an acknowledgement card in time for the holiday if the gift is received at least 5 business days prior to the holiday. You may also make arrangements to pick up a gift acknowledgement card at our InterServ Foundation offices--they make perfect stocking stuffers! Call us for details or to make a gift (816.238.4511, ext. 29).

There are people in the world who touch our lives in remarkable ways. A gift in their honor to a cause they support is a way to touch the life of another person--someone in need--as well as the heart of someone who enriches your life just by being there for you. Make your list today. You will be glad that you did.

Welcome

Welcome to InterServ's blog. We hope that you will find value, humor and joy in our postings. We promise to try to be entertaining and informative and invite your participation--feel free to comment, post photos and add to our musings whenever the mood strikes you. Many blessings to all who come here. Enjoy our first posting!

Many of you have probably received this through e-mail, but in this season of reflection, it bears repeating. And besides, it's Charles Schultz and what would the holiday season be without "Peanuts," the Great Pumpkin and a Charlie Brown Christmas tree!!!

Charles Schultz Philosophy
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.