That Time of Year
I'm pretty happy. I just bought all of my family's gifts in one fell swoop. It was pretty simple. I bought a water buffalo.
It's the time of year when I once again remind everyone I love that if they're lucky enough to have people on their gift list who don't need another sweater or plastic gewgaw or box of cookies, that they can still get a meaningful gift that will be appreciated much more than a picture frame or pair of socks. By donating to the charity of your choice, you're giving twice - once to your Aunt Tilly or nephew Brandon, and once to the actual recipient of your donation, who likely needs much more than Aunt Tilly does.
And yes, there are people (notably children) who expect another plastic toy or the latest clothes under the tree. But what better way to send a message to the children in your life and saying "Today, instead of thinking of ourselves, we'll think of someone else" than by allowing them to share their Christmas bounty with someone in dire need? What better way to instill humility, empathy and philanthropy in the next generation?
Give.org reports on charities, especially those who have had reports against them.
GuideStar.org is a comprehensive list of charities, although the site will try to sell you a subscription to their premium services, their basic services that allow you to search for charities online is free.
JustGive.org has links from its home page to many popular charities.
Think about it while you're trying to simplify your holiday shopping.
It's the time of year when I once again remind everyone I love that if they're lucky enough to have people on their gift list who don't need another sweater or plastic gewgaw or box of cookies, that they can still get a meaningful gift that will be appreciated much more than a picture frame or pair of socks. By donating to the charity of your choice, you're giving twice - once to your Aunt Tilly or nephew Brandon, and once to the actual recipient of your donation, who likely needs much more than Aunt Tilly does.
And yes, there are people (notably children) who expect another plastic toy or the latest clothes under the tree. But what better way to send a message to the children in your life and saying "Today, instead of thinking of ourselves, we'll think of someone else" than by allowing them to share their Christmas bounty with someone in dire need? What better way to instill humility, empathy and philanthropy in the next generation?
Give.org reports on charities, especially those who have had reports against them.
GuideStar.org is a comprehensive list of charities, although the site will try to sell you a subscription to their premium services, their basic services that allow you to search for charities online is free.
JustGive.org has links from its home page to many popular charities.
Think about it while you're trying to simplify your holiday shopping.
