The meaning of these words can and has been discussed and disected. I believe it means to love all people as children of the Goddess, regardless of faith, color, lifestyle, etc. I also believe that it means it is the duty of every person to help those who are less fortunate or those who are in need. Compassion should be unconditional and limitless.

How many times have you heard someone say, "She's a good Christian"? It's lovely for people to help others in the name of their god(s) and I will be there working along side them as friends, but I do not think this kind of attitude should be limited to those of the Christian denomination. There is much more that we can do as practicing Pagans to better our communities and our world. Perhaps it's time we step up to the plate and coin the phrase "Good Pagan".

Below is a list of ideas to help you get started in your effort to better your community and your Universe.

Kindness Ideas

Battered Women Care Package: When you visit the store pick up one or two travel sized items or other beauty products that may be on sale. Put together care packages for battered women and take to the shelters during the Solstice Holidays or all year. Include a note that's similar to the one found in The Pagans Care Project stating your faith as Pagan.

The Homeless: Knit mittens, scarves, hats, etc. Purchase or hand down coats, winter clothes, socks, shoes, blankets, etc. and donate them to those who are without homes. Also see the The Pagans Care Project.

(Event Fundraising) Food Drives: Food drives (or cupboards) can be organized to help feed the homeless or those families in need of support during the holidays and all year round. When hosting an event, ask everyone to bring a non-perishable food item donation as a cover charge.

Habitiat for Humanity: Get your group together and help build a house for a day. Wear t-shirts stating the name of your coven or group to spread the word about how good and kind we Pagans are.

Children: During the holidays many donate to the Toys for Tots Organization, but what about the rest of the year. There are sick and needy children everywhere, all the time, who could use a small toy to cheer them up. Visiting sick children in the hospital with toys and gifts can sometimes make the difference between the child getting well or staying ill.

There are also many hospitals which take in volunteers to help hold and feed babies suffering from substance withdrawal. The babies need physical attention and there are sometimes not enough hands to go around.

Kidney Patients: Blankets are needed as donations to dialysis patients. Dialysis takes hours to complete and the rooms are cold and impersonal. Make their experience more comforatble by donating handmade or handed down blankets.

Animals: There are thousands of animals that need foster homes to save them from being euthanized. Do you have the room to spare for these little souls? There is also a need for blankets for abandoned bottle babies, as well as carriers, food, and other supplies. Contact your local humane society for details.

(Event Fundraising) A Wishing Tree: Create a wishing tree for people to tie prayer/wish ribbons on. Charge a fee for each wish and donate the proceeds to a designated charity in the name of your group or organization. The monetary donation will give added power to the prayers and wishes of those participating. Even if you only raise 30$ for your charity, it is still thirty dollars that charity did not have before.

Maybe Not Needy, But it's Still Nice: New mothers can certainly use little care packages. Put a handmade receiving blanket, a few diapers, travel wipes container, a bottle, and an inexpensive baby toy inside a bag or whatever you can afford as a container. Pass these out in the maternity wing of the hospital. Don't forget to include a personal note, which states your faith and sends blessings to the new little one. Similar packages can be prepared and given to new neighbors.

Have any ideas? Send them to [email protected]

Links

» The Pagans Care Project
» Habitiat for Humanity
   » Flower City Habitat for Humanity
» Warming Families
» United Way of Greater Rochester