Share the Goodness

We are very blessed. Although everyone has problems in life (I just spent the evening crying to Jovan over some difficulties I am having at work), we are very lucky people. We both have great careers, we own a nice home and can afford to give our son whatever he needs. We are all healthy and our son is sweet and smart as a whip. We are thankful all year round and make it a point to donate to charity and to take the time to do for those less fortunate than ourselves. I have organized a Thanksgiving food drive this year and regularly donate money to my local no-kill animal shelter. Jovan makes it a point to give blood often and works at a camp for underprivileged youth. We both believe in giving back, not only to help those around us, but as a way to thank the universe for all we've been given.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, giving thanks and giving back is on everyone's mind. Although it should be something we do all the time, I love this time of year because so many people are giving selflessly. Many local stores have boxes at the front filled with donated food and toys. I see folks, even those who don't have much, giving whatever they can. We are still building our family traditions, but I know that service to others will be a part of our Thanksgiving every year. It's important to us for our son to know it's better to give than to receive.

What about you? What are your family's holiday traditions? Do you also make it a point to give of yourselves in some way? Are you already in the giving mood?

In the spirit of the holidays, Dole has created a contest that celebrates family traditions and gives back at the same time. I was recently contacted by Dole about their "Share the Goodness" contest which launched on Nov. 8.

It's as easy as Thanksgiving pie. Just share a fun holiday photo (with a caption describing your family's tradition) to become a part of the virtual DOLE mosaic poster. Then send an eCard to your friends and family, inviting them to see your picture and share their own photos at www.DoleShares.com. The grand prize winner will receive $5,000 and $5,000 will be contributed to their local food bank. If the grand prize winner is a friend you referred, you also win $2,000!

And just for telling you about this contest, Dole has agreed to donate $25 in our names to our local food bank! Now that's some generous giving!