My favorite gift as the gift giver

When I started my gift giving ministry I had a purpose of bringing back the ancient art of gift giving. Thinking of times in the past when folks did not have much money or distractions like television and all our technology, they had a deep understanding of gift giving. They gave of their time and created things!
We, in our jam packed schedules, have forgotten this art or let it become less valued in our society.
There still are a generation of largely woman who carry out the art of giving. These are the retired woman who once volunteered before in their busy schedules. Now that their responsibilies have lessened, they give much of their time to other causes. Many stay at home moms also give gifts that are handmade and service.
I know of such a woman in her early eighties. She is "slowing down" now, by cutting down in some of the volunteer committees she serves on. Notably she and a handful of ladies started a non-profit agency for mental health clients. Today besides the original ten bed apartment building they have eighteen "satellite" apartments that they manage.
She also continues to be involved with a MCC quilting club. The club makes thousands upon thousands of baby quilts each year to ship to countries in need like Russia.
Lillian came visiting me one day. She asked if I had a sewing machine and if I would like to have it! I was delighted and accepted it as my machine was broken. I then found a huge discount on a store of a quilting kit for a bed. Being a novice, little did I know how difficult the pattern I had chosen was. I asked for Lillian's help who accepted knowing what she was getting herself into.
For weeks I came to Lillian's house with my quilting supplies. We always went straight to work as we usually had an hour to an hour and a half to work. Being a former home-ec teacher Lillian was very precise. She showed me how to get my sewing lines straight, and my squares and triangles to be perfect. At the end of our session she would always give me "homework" to do.
I will never forget the finishing of my quilt for my queen size bed. Lillian had it "shown" at two of her committees. Lillian was truly a mentor in the spirit of giving.
For me, my favorite gift as a gift giver was a baby quilt that I sewed. My care box went to a single mom through the "crisis pregnancy center." I imagined the obstacles the mom had gone through with her pregnancy and had overcome. I gave many things to help with a new baby but the quilt was hand made. An expression of my heart through my hands. It also gave me fond memories of my teacher Lillian.
As a gift giver I enjoy giving the handmade gifts the most! This is something I plan to focus on more! My "brownies in a jar" are a close second.
Today I am making up some homemade squash soup from an incredible deal that I got. A non-profit agency has set up a food co-op for people on low income near my home. You can get many items at wholesale prices. I am buying three more butternut squashes there and some carrots. Then I am making up soups and will give a portion for my busy sister! A gift from my hands to her heart! The joy of giving!!