I'm Being a Grinch

‘Tis the season for giving and I know lots of folks want to volunteer on Christmas day to help serve meals and such at homeless shelters, but let me give you the inside scoop here . . .

At this time of year, so many people want to do that, to help the homeless, take their kids, etc, thinking that they’re doing a good thing when in reality, they’re just overwhelming the volunteer coordinators at these agencies.

Believe me.

The agency I work for serves lots of homeless in Chicago, has shelters, food services, the whole gamut.

Our poor volunteer department is overwhelmed with well-intentioned people wanting to help on Christmas day. The folks wanting to help on Christmas day are really only wanting to make themselves feel good and toot their own horns which is pretty self-serving.

A word of advice: If you want to help during the Christmas season, leave the homeless shelters alone and let them do their work. I know that sounds crass, but it’s reality.

If you want to serve meals to the homeless, go in February when it’s a grillion degrees below zero and the shelters are full. That’s when they really need the help. Better yet, donate money! Anonymously.

Otherwise, stay home and watch the kids fight over the Nintendo Wii. That's what Christmas is all about.