The Gift of Giving

Many people with disabilities are remembered especially during the season of Advent as needy recipients of charity. Families, parishioners, and coworkers look for opportunities to buy gifts for those less fortunate, less healthy, and less wealthy. The able-bodied become the designated "givers" and the disabled become the designated "receivers". However, we know that the act of giving benefits the one giving as well as the one receiving. The ability to help others increases self-worth and a feeling of belonging. People with disabilities who are not able to independently shop for a present, volunteer at a soup kitchen, or shovel a sidewalk for a neighbor may not have equal opportunities to be helpers. They may not experience the good feelings derived from giving as often as their non-disabled peers.