Burned out from Black Friday? Sick of Cyber Monday? Hard to believe but just in the last few days consumers spent nearly $11 billion on electronics, clothing and other items in preparation for the holidays. Now, I love shopping just as much as the next girl but wouldn’t it be great to funnel some of your hard earned cash towards a gift that will keep on giving? A few years back, my family and I started a tradition of making charitable donations to our favorite causes in lieu of gifts. We are not alone. Many families are now looking for ways to celebrate the true meaning and spirit of Christmas by doing for others.
Over the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, I am going to highlight a few causes that are near and dear to my heart. I am particularly passionate about anti-poverty, fair housing and global maternal/child health initiatives so many of my donations support these causes.
First up on my list is the fabulous charity Heifer International. Heifer’s mission is a simple one: to end hunger and poverty and care for the earth. They do this by creating sustainable strategies to help impoverished families develop an income stream while caring for the environment. Here’s what’s cool. As a donor, you can “purchase” a cow, a flock of geese, a goat, chicks, or a bee keeping starter kit among other gifts which which will be given to a family who will receive training and support to improve their livelihood. Heifer even produces a nifty gift catalogue which you can browse and then select your gift to honor a loved one. And lest you think your donation needs to be large to make a difference, think again. A gift of a flock of chicks is just $20.00 and will not only provide one family with nutritious egg protein but a steady income stream. According to Heifer, a good hen can lay up to 200 eggs per year – great for feeding a family and provide plenty to sell.
Heifer International operates around the world from Eastern Europe to the Carribbean and in countries such as Haiti, Uganda, and Tanzania. What I love about this organization is that their philosophy is focused on sustainability — creating enduring sources of income to lift families out of poverty all while caring for our fragile eco-system in a socially responsible manner. This is truly a gift that will make a difference.
Never heard of Heifer. Will look them up. I need to do a little philanthropy, $20 could go a long way for these families.
Blessing, I hope you will check them out. Get the catalogue as there are many other great options to consider that are also not alot of money but make a big impact.
I’m so glad to see a wonderful, really meaningful post this morning! Beautifully written and informative, too! I hope people are inspired to donate.
Last week I provided a few links on my blog for giving opportunities. And yup! You’re right! Even just a small amount can go a very long way for those in need.
Diane, thanks so much for stopping by. Great minds think alike. I will check out your blog too. I really love the idea of giving to good causes for the holidays and I really like Heifer International particularly because their work is focused on making families self-sufficient.
I recently just learned about the heifer site. At first, I was like “what in the world”, but as I researched more it is a great idea.
I really like the idea of giving back and showing my son that holidays are not just about getting stuff.
Latorsha, you are totally right that this a great way to teach kids about giving back. When D2 gets old enough (he’s only two now) I want him to be able to use some of his allowance to support an organization like Heifer International during the holidays.