As the holiday season approaches all too quickly, it's time to start the age-old process of agonizing over who gets what. This year, however, instead of giving gifts that will be cast aside and easily forgotten, consider shopping early for something that will leave a lasting impression - not only for you, but for those who might benefit from the goods your hard-earned dollars have purchased.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
(1) Start by checking out GreaterGood.org. Whether your cause is Hunger & Poverty, Breast Cancer & Women's Health, Children's Health & Well-Being, Literacy & Children's Education, Protecting & Restoring the Environment, or the Care & Feeding of Rescued Animals, Greater Good's innovative online program allows "100% tax-deductible contributions to pass directly through to nonprofit causes." An excellent program that works only with reputable non-profits around the world, helping to ensure that your donation is actually going to those who need it most.
(2) Support your local non-profit. Head on over to your local animal shelter or humane society, and find out what kind of programs they have for giving. Many organizations offer sponsorship programs to help out the animals in need right in your own backyard, or have fun and funky gift shops with that perfect something special for the person who has everything. It may not be as trendy as giving to one of the larger non-profits around the country, but small shelters provide a tremendous service, and rely on their communities to keep going. Just be sure to do a little homework to ensure that your money is going to an organization you believe in: Check out the facility, ask what the percentage of a charitable donation actually goes to the operating costs of the shelter, and meet the animals. Once you're assured that this is a cause you can stand behind, get out your check book and know that you've done your part to shop locally and think globally.
(3) Consider a little elbow grease. Recruit the kids and devote a day this holiday season to something that will bring you closer together and teach a valuable lesson about community service: volunteer at your local food bank, animal rescue, children's hospital, or related charity. Set aside a couple of hours, plan to grab a family dinner afterward to talk about your experience, and foster the lessons learned by continuing a relationship with the organization after your volunteer day, if your children express interest. Volunteerism enhances a sense of community and compassion, builds confidence, and provides an opportunity for young people to develop an understanding early on about issues like homelessness, poverty, and animal cruelty. Growing up in a world as complex as hours, these are lessons every child should learn - and what better way to gain that education, than with you by their side?
(4) Check out Art for the Animals, "a unique gift giving program that combines wildlife donations and original folk art into extraordinary holiday gifts." With amazing items ranging in price from $20 to $500, including plush toys, gorgeous jewelry, handbags, hammocks, and wall art, you're sure to find something for everyone on your holiday list.
(5) Since this is Dogged Writer, I'd be remiss if I didn't finish things out with a plug for pooch-friendly buying. For innovative, fun, eco-friendly dog toys and pet supplies, check out Maine's own Planet Dog. Two-percent of all proceeds go to the Planet Dog Foundation, which supports programs "that train, place and support dogs who work to help people in need." If you're looking for something fun and funky that your dog is sure to thank you for, you can't miss with Planet Dog!
A gift, in the law of property, is the voluntary transfer of property from one person (the donor or grantor) to another (the donee or grantee) without full valuable consideration
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