"Do you ever wonder why it was you that was chosen to have the life that you do?"

Growing up, I was always taught to be grateful every single day for what I had, because there was always someone out there with less than me. I was taught that when I complained about not getting the toy I wanted for Christmas, there was some other little girl out there that wouldn't get any presents to open on Christmas morning, and for that I am forever thankful.

There's an organization in my hometown called Joppa Outreach, that provides supplies and care for homeless people all around our city, and both of my parents regularly volunteer there in any small way that they can. My mom helps with event planning and my dad goes out almost every Saturday morning to deliver propane tanks to different homeless camps around Des Moines.

I really can't take any credit of doing much for Joppa, but I've attended and and helped out in small ways at different events that my mom has helped put together, such as the Down and Out auction, and the Joppa Christmas party that was only a few nights ago, where homeless and former homeless men, women and kids are invited to come, eat dinner, receive presents, and just hangout in a warm place for a night. From only an hour of handing out bags filled with everything from books to soap and toothbrushes, I was immediately reminded how good I really do have it, and seeing the look on people's faces when they found out they get even more gifts than what they had already been given that night is something I will never forget.

I try and always remind myself that I'm extremely lucky to have the life I've been given, especially during this time of the year when a normal temperature in Iowa could be 4 degrees with a wind chill of -9. I often think about the fact that there are people out there that don't have a warm bed to sleep in when it's that cold outside and some even without a coat, and I'm instantly reminded of how lucky I am.

So, the next time you see someone that's homeless, consider giving them a few dollars if you're able, because a little goes a long way, and you never know what it could mean to them. Never forget how lucky you are and always remember there's someone with less than what you have.