Loyalty Pawn Employee Services Corner

December is Give Back Month

Give Back Month

During December, people from all walks of life volunteer their time and share their resources to improve lives and the quality of living of others. Give Back Month celebrates people at their best by acknowledging the generosity and volunteerism that unites people of all ideologies during the month of December.

It recognizes those who tend to the unmet human, educational. health, environmental and public needs of our communities. During Give Back Month, we celebrate donors, volunteers, corporations, foundations and organizations who financially invest in the local, state and national challenges before us. We also highlight civic responsibility and the spirit of community and service through shared values that transcend race, religion, gender, age, disability, region, income and education.

Why Giving Back Is Important

You can change lives.

Based on the need of the person you are giving to, you could actually save someone’s life, be it sending a child to school, or providing food and shelter to a family.

Giving will make you happy.

Donating to charities and helping others has a therapeutic effect and can make you happy. It’s a positive cycle that leads to the betterment of society.

You can help reduce poverty.

Your donations can help to reduce poverty if it’s improving the living conditions of even a single family. Be a part of the change and donate as much as you can!

Safe Toys and Celebrations

You should always consider the age of whomever you are giving a present. For instance, you should avoid toys with small parts when buying for a toddler and ensure the subject matter of the gift is age-appropriate. However, some toys may still be harmful despite being marketed as appropriate for the recipient’s age.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology stresses that projectile toys, especially, have the potential for scraping eyes and even causing cataracts, despite typically being sold as gifts for children ages 15 and younger. The organization acknowledges other dangers inherent with seasonal gift giving and recommends the following precautions:

• Avoid toys with sharp or protruding parts.

• Keep toys for older children away from younger siblings.

• Check toy labels for age and play recommendations

• Make sure children are supervised when playing.

Monthly Moves:The Dead Bug

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat.

2. Tighten your abdominals and keep your back flat as you lift your knees so that your hips and knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.

3. Slowly tap one toe to the ground and return.

4. To increase the difficulty level, extend your arms straight up over your shoulders. As you lower one foot down to the ground, reach the opposite arm back overhead, keeping your lower back on the floor and your ribs pulled in.

5. Only extend your leg as far as you can while keeping your back flat.

6. Return and switch sides

Recipe: Healthy HOT Chocolate!

Servings: 1. Serving Size: 1 c

Calories: 164 | Fat: 2.8g | Protein: 3.1g | Carbs: 27.9 g | Fiber: 2g |

Sodium: 108.6 mg | Sugar: 24.8g

Ingredients Checklist

• 1 tablespoon natural, unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 cup low -fat milk, warmed to steaming

• Add-ins like orange zest and ground cloves; ground cardamom and vanilla extract; or chili powder and ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions

Step 1 Combine cocoa powder and sugar in a mug; swirl in warmed milk. Add in one of the flavor additions, if desired.

Just for fun December Days

…Have fun with these fun and kooky celebrations!

Did you know that December is National Pear Month? Celebrate these fun holidays this month:

• Dec. 11: International Mountain Day

• Dec. 13: National Violin Day

• Dec. 13: National Day of the Horse

• Dec. 20: Underdog Day

• Dec. 26: National Candy Cane Day