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Dec. 13th, 2007 04:56 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
violachicLooking for something more fulfilling for your holiday gift-giving? Want to make a difference for someone else? Looking for that year-end tax deduction (although I personally hope that you don't donate to charity simply for the deduction)? Fed up with Christmas commercialization and need an alternative? You're in luck- I've compiled a short list of places you can look for either cash donation, services, or alternative purchasing.
Adopt-a-Soldier:
Whether you agree with the military action in the middle east or not, we all should remember the troops who are stationed overseas away from their families during the holidays. Here are several places that can help you with sending care packages and gifts around the world to military personnell.
-Operation: We Love Our Soldiers
-Treats for Troops
-USO Care Packages
-Hickory Farms APO/FPO Gifts
Chicago-based organizations:
The links I have are Chicago-based, but I'm sure if you google your local city and its major newspapers, you'll be able to find a great deal of organizations near you.
-Santa for the Very Poor
-Sun-Times Season of Sharing
-Greater Chicago Food Depository
International Organizations:
While the need in our own country is so high, there are places around the world who, unbelievably, are in even greater need. You can help by considering one of these international organizations, which serves those overseas as well as those in our country.
-Heifer International (one of my favorite organizations ever!)
-Habitat for Humanity
-Feed the Children
Toys for Tots:
In a whole category of its own. If you're an anti-war person, please don't be put off that this is run by the Marines. This is an amazing organization that delivers thousands and thousands of toys across the country to people who can't afford gifts for their children.
-Toys for Tots
Alternative gift buying:
By using these unique gift companies, you can find exotic, unusual gift ideas, as well as aid the families in third-world countries who craft these products especially for the gift catalogues. All companies are fair-trade organizations, and guarantee that profits go directly to the creators of such fine gifts.
-SERRV International
-10,000 Villages
-Equal Exchange:Fair Trade Online (really, really yummy chocolate!!!)
-Marketplace India
Also, keep in mind that many of these services are available to you, or those you know, if they are in need. Don't hesitate to contact them if you think they can help you or a loved one, whether during the holidays or the rest of the year.
If anyone else knows of any other organziations, please feel free to leave us a link in the comments.
Happy Holidays!
Adopt-a-Soldier:
Whether you agree with the military action in the middle east or not, we all should remember the troops who are stationed overseas away from their families during the holidays. Here are several places that can help you with sending care packages and gifts around the world to military personnell.
-Operation: We Love Our Soldiers
-Treats for Troops
-USO Care Packages
-Hickory Farms APO/FPO Gifts
Chicago-based organizations:
The links I have are Chicago-based, but I'm sure if you google your local city and its major newspapers, you'll be able to find a great deal of organizations near you.
-Santa for the Very Poor
-Sun-Times Season of Sharing
-Greater Chicago Food Depository
International Organizations:
While the need in our own country is so high, there are places around the world who, unbelievably, are in even greater need. You can help by considering one of these international organizations, which serves those overseas as well as those in our country.
-Heifer International (one of my favorite organizations ever!)
-Habitat for Humanity
-Feed the Children
Toys for Tots:
In a whole category of its own. If you're an anti-war person, please don't be put off that this is run by the Marines. This is an amazing organization that delivers thousands and thousands of toys across the country to people who can't afford gifts for their children.
-Toys for Tots
Alternative gift buying:
By using these unique gift companies, you can find exotic, unusual gift ideas, as well as aid the families in third-world countries who craft these products especially for the gift catalogues. All companies are fair-trade organizations, and guarantee that profits go directly to the creators of such fine gifts.
-SERRV International
-10,000 Villages
-Equal Exchange:Fair Trade Online (really, really yummy chocolate!!!)
-Marketplace India
Also, keep in mind that many of these services are available to you, or those you know, if they are in need. Don't hesitate to contact them if you think they can help you or a loved one, whether during the holidays or the rest of the year.
If anyone else knows of any other organziations, please feel free to leave us a link in the comments.
Happy Holidays!
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