I DO believe in miracles and I know they do happen when we are of a giving heart & mind. I want to share with you my humble opinion about a wonderful organization I joined some five years ago.

Caring and Sharing of South Santa Rosa County, Inc. is a local non-profit organization made up of community volunteers whose goal is to provide a helping hand to those who are struggling during the holiday season.

I am so sure that my time as a volunteer with Caring and Sharing has blessed me in so many ways, some I may never know here on earth. Every year at Caring & Sharing assistance interviews or at distribution, I have personally seen the delighted faces of children and family members when they know they will have groceries and something to eat over the school holiday break. Or when the children request presents with all the joy and mystery of a Christmas wish list!

For whatever reasons these families find themselves in need, and Caring and Sharing is there for them. This happens because of such a great community of volunteers whose goal is to provide a helping hand to those who are struggling during the holiday season. And let us not forget the many generous local and anonymous donators of groceries, toys, and money too.

I think of our group and am reminded at this time of year, a time to reflect and sacrifice a little for the benefit of others. Recently I read an article in the Island News section of our paper by Chuck Randle, Casting Nets about how Christian churches celebrate Lent and he had some suggestions for us.

I would like to reiterate some of his words by quoting him now; "Instead of just 'giving up' something we could 'take on' a useful and helpful project... we could 'give up' watching a particular television program and use that time as a volunteer in an organization that relies heavily on donations of time." These are wise words.

In closing, I feel we all can be wisdom shapers and opinion makers, and I'll will leave you with a Caring & Sharing favorite saying - "Be the difference you want to see in the world." By Mahatma Gandi.

For more information or to volunteer visit the organizations's website at www.santarosacares. com.