Why not consider some alternative gift giving this holiday season? It could be a socially responsible way to balance the more traditional consumer gifts, and inspire younger family members to think beyond themselves.
Here are several links with gift catalogues from charitable organizations:
-Mercycorps.org: 'Be the change'- goat $70; camel $150; outfit a classroom $150; plant an acre of rice $29; educate an AIDS orphan $100...
- Kiva.org: 'What gift do you give to someone who has it all? Here's a chance to help someone who doesn't'....loans that change lives.
-World Vision.org: Gifts that make a difference...(We sponsor a child from Zimbabwe through this organization.) (Click on your country and go directly to the gift catalogue.)
- Ten Thousand Villages: 'To create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term fair trading relationships.'
Of course, there are numerous other organizations which offer opportunities to provide hope to the less fortunate.
Giving opens the way for receiving.
