Pay it forward

My family on vacation....as you can see, I have much to be thankful for! Like many families, the Gansters gathered on Thanksgiving Day to celebrate the day and well, give thanks. My sister and brother-in-law, Betty Ann and Dave Alchier, were the hosts for the day and at the end of the meal, while we were still seated, handed an envelope to each of us. Inside was a $10 bill and instructions...we were to take the money and do something good with it before Christmas, then at Christmas, we will have to report back and tell everyone else what we did. What a totally awesome idea! Right away, we started speculating on what that $10 could/would do. Like last year, I am involved in collecting toys for "Christmas in the Streets," a program that gives toys to homeless families. Right away, my husband, son, aunt and I decided we would add to the toy drive. Kenton, my 21-year-old, and I bought footballs, a much requested gift item for the drive, using that money. My other son, Cole, 18, donated the money to Beadforlife, an organization that I volunteer with that helps rise women in Uganda out of poverty. Cole is also a volunteer with the group. Eliza, 23, donated the money for my niece's toy drive as the two of them negotiated storeslate Thanksgiving night, buying many of those toys. I can't wait until Christmas to see what others have done with their money. Isn't this a great way to be thankful?