Missiton Day: 7

There are many stories to be shared today. Yet, my show is already running late due to the lack of things I got done today.I did finish Christmas shopping, so that is a huge plus!

I also met 2 new friends! Kristyna & Marion. They were working at a gift wrapping table within Barnes & Noble Booksellers. I bought two books that I had been looking for to fulfill the need on my Christmas List.

As I exited the store I heard:

Would you like us to gift wrap that for you?
Oh, yes, that would be such a great help!
Great, it would be our pleasure to help you.
Well thank you very much! Whose dog is that?

This dog was the most beautiful Golden Retriever I've seen in a long time. It was wearing a Support Dog working vest so I figured these two ladies were involved in someway with assisting handi-capable individuals gain canine living assistants.

Oh, this is Cricket. He is one of our touch therapy dogs that we use to travel around to hospitals and nursing homes to lift the spirits of the patients and residents of these facilities.
That is so cool! He is beautiful. My name is Colin, I work at a veterinary hospital here in the St. Louis area. Cricket is one of the most handsome Goldens I've seen in a long time. What are you guys doing here?
We're raising money to assist homeless handicapped citizens during the winter season.
How are you raising the money? I'd love to help.
Uhm....gift wrapping.
Oh that makes total sense" I said bursting into a laugh
Yes, yes it does make sense" Kristyna said with Marion soon joining in to our laughter
How much is the gift wrapping? Although I've already committed to it.
It's based off how much you would like to donate, there is no set fee, here are your items.
Thank you so much, these look great" I grimaced trying to fake a smile because the two packages she just handed me were -in my standards- wrapped horribly, with not so attractive paper.
No problem! It was great to meet you, I hope you have a great Christmas.
You too, and here is one of our business cards, if you or any of your clients need anything that we can assist with, please give us a call. I'd be more than happy to try and help!
Thank you so much! That is such a great resource! Do you need change?
Oh no! I want to donate all twenty dollars. I hope it helps out. Have a great Christmas!

With a cold burst of wind, and an "excuse me", I was back outside the store walking toward my vehicle.

Thanks for tuning in. I hope you all see the significance of today's completed mission. No? Well here it is: When the time comes, you never know how your skills and services will be the greatest donation you can make.

Sure, I gave the Kristyna and Marion $20, but I also offered my business services. They may never use them, they may call tomorrow, but either way, the offering of my service gained more of a reaction than my monetary contributions.

At times we think that just because we have no money in our pocket book we cannot help the less fortunate. Yet -contrary to popular belief- I believe that most organizations would be grateful for the contribution of man-power. Money does help fulfill needs, but without the assistance of individuals, millions of dollars could go no where.

So thanks for tuning in! This is Colin.Always, and remember: Next time your pockets are empty and you see someone raising money, offer a card with your contact information and let them know you'd be willing to help.

Our hearts, and warm hearts are worth more than money can afford.