CHRISTMAS When you give, miracles can happen all year

Giving to charity makes an impact on the holidays and beyond.
YOUNGSTOWN -- One family scenario might sound like this: Grandpa doesn't want any gifts for Christmas this year. He'd rather you give to his favorite charity.
Many individuals give to charities instead of buying presents. Some folks would say that they were raised that way, or it is because of a religious background.
Others give because they have so much and want to help those in need. Whatever the reason, this is the season to give.
Make-a-Wish
Scott Kifer and his wife, Heidi, of Hubbard started giving to the Make-a-Wish Foundation two years ago not because he is pastor of Faith Chapel Church of God of Prophecy, but because he knows first-hand how much it means to others to give.
In November 2001 their daughter Shoshanna was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma cancer. Kifer decided Make-a-Wish was the right cause "after what I saw, what they were all about. ... Make-a-Wish Foundation is truly for children. Everything they did for her, they did for him [son Scotty] as well," even though he was not ill.
They also sent the whole family to Disney World.
"I don't tell my church to give to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. If someone asks me, I suggest it," said Kifer.
Living in Athens County at the time, the Kifers held a huge fund-raiser for the foundation before they left. Kifer also supports Relay for Life and Adopt a Family for Christmas.
When the Kifers' daughter was first diagnosed with cancer they only spent $100 on gifts that year, which included presents for their large extended family. They woke up Christmas morning to find their entire 16-by-20-foot deck covered in gifts for the entire family.
A caring community was suspected.
"Three hours nonstop, my kids unwrapped gifts," Kifer said. People give anonymously because "they're not doing it for recognition; they're doing it for the real purpose of giving to that charity," he said.
Shoshanna will turn 10 this month. She is in a 4 1/2-year early remission. "The doctor called it a miracle," Kifer said.
Rescue Mission
The Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, established in 1893, has been helping those in need not only during the holiday season but 365 days a year.
"During the later part of September to mid-January, there's a spirit of generosity to help those that are less fortunate than themselves," said David L. Sherrard, Rescue Mission's executive director for the past 15 years. Many give money to a charity during the Christmas season in honor of someone who has died. "A lot of people let their families know they give in honor of that person," said Sherrard.
Sherrard, who has worked with various missions for 34 years, lives by the concept "that what I can do, I do. That what I can't do, I can't do." There are a number of small donations given.
He said that people often make small donations or just ask if they can come down and help out at the mission.
Sadly, the Rescue Mission is in greater need during the summer months. "It's feast or famine," said Sherrard. "If we had the Christmas spirit of giving two or three times a year, it would make it easier to help those who come to our doors and through our doors all year long." He adds that most churches experience a drop-off in monthly support and pledges after the holidays.
Everyone is welcome at the Rescue Mission. "I have a responsibility to minister to everyone in need," said Sherrard. Whether a person needs food, shelter or spiritual guidance, the Rescue Mission is there.
Salvation Army
It just would not be Christmas without the eye-catching big red kettles of the Salvation Army at the entrance of your favorite department store.
"It's a fixture of Christmas in American culture," said Maj. Bruce Fleming, Salvation Army administrator in Austintown. That's Major Fleming, not mister. Explaining the military structure of the army, he said, "Ranking evolved out of a need perceived as a natural progression" in the organization.
The concept of an army of people combating poverty began in London 130 years ago, where founder William Booth, a wealthy minister, originally called it a Christian mission. In one way or another, the mission was the salvation of many of the poor, and thus the name evolved.
Today, the red kettle reminds the community to give with at 40 sites in Mahoning County, including Sparkle Market, Giant Eagle, Southern Park Mall, Big Lots, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, TJ Max, Walgreens, Panera Bread, Barnes & amp; Noble, the Austintown post office, IGA, Sam's Club, Home Savings, Bed Bath and Beyond, and others. Fleming doesn't have to look far for supporters. New businesses call him and request a kettles for their locations.
The Salvation Army also displays Angel Trees in stores. An angel silhouette pulled off the tree reveals the history of a local child in need. A toy can be purchased specifically for that child.
"There's a connection," said Fleming. The family in need knows that some individual has donated a toy just for their child.
"Typically the ones that draw our attention is when a few individuals will say, 'We see the Angel Tree in the store. Does this child have a brother or sister? Will you share the case story of the whole family? We want to support the whole family,'" said Fleming.