If your like me, you really try to custom tailor your gifts to those whom you give to. Sometimes in the holiday frenzy we forget though that others out there, not just our friends, families and neighbors, need a little something to make their lives better, their spirits brighter and their hearts whole. This year I propose a few ways to help do just that.* Give to the American Humane Society. A small donation really goes a long way to help support neglected and abused pets that suffer from life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
* Adopt-a-species Through the World Wildlife Foundation. For as little as like 25.00 you can get an adoption kit for one of over a hundred differant animals. Of course, the more you donate the better your benefits get. Starting at fifty you'll get a plush replica of your adopted animal. All the proceeds go to helping the Foundation protect the wildlife and their natural habitats.
* Toys For Tots Foundation. The US Marine Corps Reserve each year run several donation drop off points and collection sites as well as benefits for children in need. They ask for unwrapped gifts to be given to needy children in your own community. The program usually starts in October and lasts until Christmas. The Goal is to deliver a new toy to the less fortunate kids, in hopes that in the years to come, that child will remember the good will of others and in turn offer the same kindness to others.
*Salvation Army. The Salvation Army actually has two ways one can donate. One is the Angel Trees and the other is known simply as the Red Kettles. Angel Trees are trees that go up in various department stores, such as Macy's or J.C. Penny and contain the name and age and "wish" of a child. You pick an angel from the tree to fulfill their wish and then drop it off at the collection sites. The Red Kettles are small little Red Buckets that are set up around the city in various locations, usually in front of stores, and one of the Salvation Army volunteers will ring a bell near the Kettle. The object is simple, donate what you can in cold hard cash right then and there. All the proceeds from this go to provide Christmas dinners, clothing, toys for families in need and also to provide people with basic necessities and seasonal aid. They also help people in hospitals, or nursing homes as well.
Of course, there are literally hundreds of thousands of other charities one could donate to and you know, it doesn't even have to be a monetary donation. You could always donate your time too, like to the Red Cross or to the local YMCAs. In the spirit of Christmas, I hope that I've given you all a new way to show your spirit and give to your communities.
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