Two of the most Significant things one can give

What are the two biggest things that a person can give?  In my opinion, they are time and money.  Two things that there just is not enough to give by one person, but we continue to try.  Looking back on my life I think I was always labeled as a giver and think I have broken the bank enough times because giving to others was important even when I didn’t have it to give.  I wanted to make a difference. 
 
I have tried to show my children that it is okay to help the less fortunate.  My daughter and her friends raised $1000 through bake sales to give to the Denver Rescue Mission.  We used coupons to obtain many free items (hygiene and baby items) to give to the Mission and to the Ronald McDonald House.  Now that they are older its time to volunteer time to the community and give back to those in need.
 
My journey started by working for a nonprofit and learning of the passion that is behind what they do for their clients.  Then I decided to take my career to a different level and go back to school.  This summer I will obtain my Masters in Nonprofit Management.  I have learned so much but two things I can tell you that have meant the most and helped me get on track with my life
 
•    Give to yourself before giving to others
•    Do what matters most, and everything else will fall into place
 
Over the last six months I have made quite a few changes that have put a few things into perspective.  I bought a house for my son and I and moved to a smaller town.  This past December OWP collected donations for the Weld County Toys for Tots Program and we are continuing to find ways to connect with the community.  This year my son and I are donating our “free time” to the Weld County Humane Society.  Now free time is in quotes because there is not a lot of this to go around.  My son and I are extremely busy, but we found that this cause was important to us so we will make time.
 
Second I am focusing my summer party on raising funds for the animals at the shelter.  I have asked a number of our friends in the spirit industry to help me out by providing item(s) that can auction off the help our four-legged friends and the responses are coming in which I am very thankful. 
 
For me the best part about giving is I get to combine two things I love into one effort.  Whiskey and being a giver.  So I hope that those that are in Denver in August will be able to join me at the whiskey party and help me raise funds for a community that is in need.  Keep an eye out on the My Events page for more information.  Date of the event will be posted soon.

How do you give?