The benefits of giving are not just for those who receive, but those who give have better health, are happier and extend this feeling to their community surrounding them. Giving can be in the form of gifts, but also includes donating to charities or volunteering your time because it makes you feel happy. Scientists believe endorphins are released in the brain resulting in feelings of happiness.

Giving can also improve your physical health and extend your longevity because it relieves stress and lowers blood pressure, suggesting a direct physiological benefit to the giver. Giving elicits feelings of gratitude whether your are the giver or the receiver. You will exercise more, be more optimistic and generally feel better about yourself.

Giving promotes a sense of trust and cooperation, strengthening ties to one another. Positive social interactions are essential to positive mental and physical health.

Giving becomes contagious. When a gift is received releasing feeling of gratitude which spreads throughout not just the person receiving the gift, but spreads throughout the community.

At out October meeting, we had the opportunity to donate to Women Helping Women under the direction of Karin Drury. An envelope was passed around the room to give to single women and their children to bring happiness into their homes for Christmas. This is truly an example of giving not only being contagious as the envelope was passed, not knowing what was given by the lady sitting next to us, but we felt the need to give to this wonderful cause followed by happiness in being able to help others. It truly was contagious throughout the room that night and am sure it has spread through Englewood, Venice and beyond. Thank you, ladies and may you have improved Health and Happiness.

Syd Gibson