Boxing Day a Chance for Anderson to Help Others
Monday, December 26, 2022 at 5:07AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Most Americans don't celebrate Dec. 26, but it's a tradition we might want to consider adopting.
St. Stephen’s Day, also called Boxing Day, or Wren Day, is one of two holidays widely observed in honor of the life of St. Stephen, a Christian deacon in Jerusalem who was known for his service to the poor and his status as the first Christian martyr (he was stoned to death in AD 36).
In the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, the Dec. 26 the holiday is commonly known as Boxing Day, which takes its name from the practice of giving small gifts to household servants on that day for their work throughout the year.
The day after Christmas is, for many, a time to count new gifts and blessings and prepare for New Year's Day. BIt could also be a time to be a blessing to those in our community whose commitment to our friends, family and neighbors who need a litte extra help throughout the year.
Their work bringing food, shelter, health care, clothing and other assistance is a daily challenge, and they depend on our community to help them help others.
Boxing Day could become a day to contemplate and take action to join their efforts. Get a gift card or two you don't need for Christmas? Donate it to a local charity. Get new coat, sweater or gloves? There are those who would love to have the old ones.
And if you are looking to donate money at the end of the year for any reason, including tax purposes, this is the day to remember that decision.
Anderson has many worthy organizations doing daily, on-the-ground work, but this list offers a starting point of those who serve large groups with information on their efforts and how to donate: