December 8, 2004

Give A Little Bit

With visions of the post-Thanksgiving Day shopping stampede still dancing in our heads, now is probably a good time to think about ways to give to those that are less fortunate. Volunteering is something the whole family can feel good about doing together, and it promotes good citizenship, community responsibility, compassion and kindness. Not to mention, it's more in the true holiday spirit than, say, snapping up the latest Nintendo game.

The Box Project is a nonprofit organization that will match you with a family living in rural poverty that you can help to become self-sufficient by offering friendship and monthly boxes of food, clothing and supplies. You can also sponsor a family for the holiday only, sending gifts and food to make their holiday traditions brighter; boxproject.org.

Canine Companions for Independence is a nonprofit organization that provides highly trained assistance dogs. Help raise and train a puppy that will grow up to assist a person with a disability in leading a more fulfilling and independent life; caninecompanions.org.

Feed The Children: Kid's Stuff USA is a nonprofit relief organization that distributes food and supplies to needy families. Decorate a shoe box for the holidays and fill it with treats and supplies: stuffed animals, balls, books, games, puzzles, dolls, toy cars, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, gloves and caps to be sent to children across the country; feedthechildren.org.

Peter Pan Children’s Fund was inspired by the charitable legacy of James M Barrie, author of Peter Pan, who gave the story rights to London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) in 1928. Kids can join the Peter Pan Birthday Club to help raise money for a Children's Hospital of their choice by asking guests to bring money instead of presents; peterpanchildrensfund.org.

Project Linus: Volunteer to be a "blanketeer" and provide a new, handmade, washable blanket to be given as gifts to seriously ill and traumatized children, ages 0-18; projectlinus.org.

Special Olympics is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit and enjoy sports training and competition. You can volunteer by escorting an athlete, assist an athlete's family in competition venues, provide transportation, be a scorekeeper, timer and more. For the holidays, purchase A Very Special Christmas CD -- proceeds benefit Special Olympic Programs; specialolympics.org.

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