Americans are slaves to tradition. A new house or apartment must be warmed by gifts, even when the occupants move to a smaller space. A parent is typically showered with gifts no less than three times a year. When a birthday arises for the man who has everything, we still give him things. As we age, our closets transform into variety shops for no one... On December 26 these secret shops receive more inventory.
My name is Rich Grieshaber. I am a campus minister at Immaculata High School in Somerville, NJ. As a graduate of Just Faith Ministries I am taking the next step. I can’t accept gifts more than once a year when there are people struggling world wide simply for survival. It is crazy what drama our media chooses not to show us. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me about the web site.
I've come across more & more people in my travels who already do this kind of thing. This site brings them together in one forum. I am humbled by some of them. Dave & Retzel O'Brien for instance on their wedding day accepted only prayers & donations to charity... the stories that have come from that holy day can fill a small book.
I know couples who throw two birthday parties for each child. The first is for family; gifts are allowed. A later one for friends asks for donations to charities... these couples can now refer guests to this site for details, but also to reinforce the seriousness to their request.
Average Joe's $10 check once a year to a charity does make a difference. But maybe he doesn't give it because he fears telemarketers & junk mail, or it's just not worth the trouble for $10. Joe, this is your way out: Find a friend who already supports your charity, mail them a money order & you'll never be hassled by solicitations. The line for the post office will be shorter than the trip through the mall.
Odds are, each of us knows of someone who needs that little push. Your birthday just may be that occasion that jumpstarts a thinking-about-it type of guy into a doing-something-finally financial supporter of good works.
Add me to the list. Requests are checked every 24-72 hours.
New Year's resolutions are a great way. Tailor an email based on the one below for distribution amongst friends/co-workers. Or insert the below printable flyer into your next holiday greetings card, or the card to the next gift you give, or gift thank you card you send. People need time to adjust. Membership cannot be put into practice overnight. Teachers: Students & co-workers will need to be reminded of your wishes. Sample Email:
Dear friends/family,
My New Year's resolution this year has been to live more simply. I therefore ask that in lieu of a gift certificate/gift card for (Mother’s Day), you instead send me a check/money order for one or more of my favorite charities. This is something that means a lot to me. For a list of these, find me at SolidarityRegistry.org.
We have also created the following printable card that you can simply send to your friends and family.
It's not easy "letting go". People simply like the excitement of opening up gifts, need them or not. It's a momentary high, for both giver & receiver… especially for the youth. That’s why there’s the asterisk system; it allows members to ease into it: Give up one gift, not all you receive on any one occasion; or, tell only some of your gift givers about your request. It's a step toward global solidarity.
All Christians are called to support their human family. Our poorest efforts please God more than our strongest excuses. We simply must try to put Christ back into Christmas; if not by name, then by deed. Give to the person/group that cannot return the favor; that’s what Jesus would do. Everyone can let go of something. Americans were born into a land of plenty. To borrow a quote from the movie Spiderman: With great power comes great responsibility.