Fredericksburg Parent

30 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • October 2024 family money WRITTEN BY NIKKI DUCAS With the holidays looming, it feels like whenever I open my mailbox, answer the phone or click on an email somebody is requesting money to feed, clothe, shelter, provide transportation, pay their electric bill or a sundry of other requests for help. Those that pull even harder on my heart- strings are the ones that affect children. Just the other day, my mother counted 20 pieces of mail, many of which she already writes a check to monthly. These are national charities that have money for marketing and mixed in the advertisements are notes of thanksgiving and can we possibly get you to give just $5 more. What really makes me want to hand over my hard-earned money is the personal stories. I give to St. Jude because a friend from high school is a spokeswoman and advocate for her 12-year- old daughter who is now in remission from bone cancer. I've given to Sloan Kettering because that's where my father spent the last days of his life. I give to the American Red Cross because my college roommate works for the Heart Group and walks for awareness. I have so many more stories I'd love to share but that will tip my word count for this column. GIVE Where You CAN Of course, the need is great in our own community too. I give time and finan- cially through the many charities that the Fredericksburg Area Service League, Catholic Charities and my Church support. Children make the most impactful difference in the world, and I will always encourage and support their giving spirit. My friend's young son was upset that there were children in his class that didn't have snacks. Their stomachs were growling, and he gave his own snack to them. His mom put a note on Facebook and got an overwhelming response to help give snacks to the teach- er to provide snacks for these students. My tween made a blessing bag in his art class at co-op and wanted to give it to a woman he always saw on his way to his grandma's house. My teen supports charities using money he has set aside for charitable giving. It's a beautiful testament to humanity to see young people thinking of others and wanting to give of themselves. Unfortunately, I've been scammed in the past by a so-called friend that sup- posedly needed to pay her medical insurance, so now I will only give money as a gift and tell the recipient to pay it forward when they can. It was a hard les- son for my 19-year-old self to learn as it was my book money for the semester, but it taught me invaluable life lessons. If you are in a financially stable place and a friend or family member needs money to cover an expense, you should give your money freely, no strings attached as a gift not a loan. Giving money to friends and family as a gift also avoids the stress of worrying about repayment. Being financially indebted to friends or family often leads to damaged relationships. Remember, only give where you can.

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