Inviting Others to Share the Joy of Giving

One of my fellow BNI (Business Networking International) members, Everado Recendiz, a certified business coach with Action Coach, recently shared a cause with our BNI group, the Shreveport Closers. He told us that at any given time in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, along with 9 surrounding parishes, there were over 300 children living in foster homes. These foster parents receive no additional assistance from the state to provide gifts for these children at Christmas.

Everado was so moved by this fact that he sent out an e-mail to our entire group, asking if any of us wanted to participate in an effort to bring a little added Christmas magic into a few of these children's lives. He sent several children's first names and their "Santa list". My team and I chose to play "Santa" for a six year boy who wanted a bike, skateboard and a remote control car.

I appreciate "Coach Ever: and his wife for bringing this to our attention - sometimes we just don't know who really is in need. And I appreciate his passion to reach out and touch some children's lives during this giving season. And by sharing this information, he allowed us to share in the joy of giving. Oh, my team does love playing Santa!

Part of our "Give Back Program" for 2012 will include that we become more proactive with local organizations who DO know the children who are in need. Ignorance will NOT remain an excuse for us. And we need to be more like Coach Ever - and invite others to share in the joy of giving!

What about you? What will be YOUR "Give Back Program" for 2012?