A really wonderful trend I'm seeing this year is the practice of giving humanitarian aid gifts this year instead of the usual gifts. Many of us who know people who have experienced great tragedies as a result of Katrina (and the many other disasters that have occured the last few years) are looking for ways to help. Using money that we normally spend on holiday gifts to donate to worthy causes is a great way to contribute and to experience the real joy of giving. Here are some ways you can give Humanitarian gifts:
Alternative Gift Website (AGI) at www.altgifts.org
They let you pick specific gifts from a catalog and send beautiful cards to notify your recipients of your gift. Here are some example alternative gifts:
- Give job training so impoverished women can earn better wages / USATrain and equip poverty-stricken women for a year-round, income-producing livelihood. More...
- Rescue victims of forced prostitution / Southeast Asia Millions of trafficked women and girls worldwide are working as prostitutes against their will. Some were kidnapped, others were tricked or sold. Rescue, a safe place and healing aftercare can restore their lives. More...
- Give micro-loans for small businesses / Haiti, Ukraine Poor people in undeveloped countries have good loan repayment records. Give hardworking, enterprising people a chance to improve their livelihoods. More...
Habitat for Humanity's Holiday gift page
Americare's Holiday Gift Site
For just a few dollars each month, you can give a child the gift of being a sponsor of a less fortunate child through "Save the Children." Your sponsorship can help a child eat a warm dinner, see a doctor, or even graduate from school, while also teaching your child the value of helping others. Sponsor a Hungry Child.
Happy Holidays!
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