What to do in line...

A little more than two weeks until Christmas! Is your shopping done? If you are anything like me, the panic is just starting to set in. I have so much shopping to do... I can hardly think about it. I've been preparing for months, but apparently not enough because here I am, with a list that rivals Santa's.

While I stare at the computer screen (as online shopping is increasingly becoming an addiction), I can't help thinking about those whose list exceeds their bank account. There are many among our ranks whose spouses are deployed or wounded and the expenses of day to day limit the number of extraneous treats in the budget.

This year, as you are waiting in lines that wrap around the store, why not use that time to help others who don't have enough room in their budget for such a trip?

*Peek through those stands of gifts cards. Throw a practical one into your cart and donate it to Operation Homefront or other charitable groups. A gift card to a grocery or retail store can go a long way in easing the burden this year.

*Purchase a couple extra stamps at the Post Office this year. Imagine wanting to send your loved one a little gift, but being unable to squeeze the $10.95 it costs to ship a flat rate box. A stamp to cover that cost could go a long way!

*Don't forget the holidays will soon pass, but bills still need to be paid. Consider picking up an extra non-perishable item or two. Think about the daily needs... diapers, milk (soy or powdered), chunky soup, peanut butter.

*Feeling techy? Or just feeling a lack of creativity? Why not just text PATRIOT to 90999. Operation Homefront Hampton Roads would be glad to use the $5 that will be added to your next phone bill, to help a local military family.

After all, it's all about multi-tasking this time of year!