‘Tis the Season to Give Something Back
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As you all know, it’s a very special time of year. The time where people come together with the spirit of goodwill…and join Web2Mayhem.
Wait, that’s not right…(well, it is, and you should join, but that’s not the point of this post). No, it’s the other special time of year, and whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, of Festivus, ’tis the time for gift giving.
And in that spirit of goodwill towards men (and other creatures) this post isn’t about how to make money online (although that does tend to make people happy). No, this post is about giving something back while you’re giving gifts.
Below is a list of charitable sites that allow you to make donations in someone else’s name. Now, in case your special someones would still like something under the tree, never fear – most of these sites will accept donations in any amount you want. Even a donation of $10 can help, and it’s a great idea for stocking stuffers. Instead of golf balls, or chocolate, and some useless tchotchke that they are never going to use, you can do some good.
ASPCA Who doesn’t want to help animals?
Right to Play A charity that helps underprivileged children in developing countries learn the benefits of play and team sports.
Amnesty International The charity that works to protect human rights around the world.
March of Dimes A charity that is dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
World Vision International
A charity that helps close to 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. They have multiple giving options, from straight cash donations, to the ability to buy chickens, ducks or a goat to help a family be able to feed themselves.
These are just a very small sample of the charitable organizations that would be very thankful to get some of your holiday money this week. To help on a local level, check out your local United Way, Salvation Army, local soup kitchen, or Humane Society. If someone you are buying for has a special connection to a particular organization, then donating to them in their name is a gesture they would really appreciate. And you’ve killed two birds with one stone – you’ve given a thoughtful gift that the recipient will like, and you’ve helped these great organizations do some good.
And in the interest of total honesty (unrelated to the FTC stuff though) I should also tell you that using charitable donations as stocking stuffers are also a great way to finish off your Christmas shopping that you left until the last minute because you were too busy with a product launch to get it done earlier. Just as an example.
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Hi John, Thanks for your message. You have provided good message through your blog, your message will encourage to reader to donate charity. Where we can able to help poor children. Anyway I’m going to donate.
Even if you have no money to give, you can still help others.
At freerice.com, build your vocabulary and give rice to hungry folks around the world.
At ClickToGive.com, choose your cause and click. Sponsors make small donations, and they have added up to thousands of dollars.
These sites work all year round.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy New Year!
Great post, I agree with the giving year-round. Thanks for the extra resources. Happy holidays and lets not forget Kwanza as well.
Seasonal post! Happy Christmas to you and yours Jason.
Good post and a nice reminder about the act of giving during the holidays. This year its more important than ever.
Hey Jason,
Good thoughts. Each year, at this time of year, we look to give specifically to local charities, such as the Salvation Arm or Womans shelter. Things that people really really need are good warm clothes, jackets and blankets. I have a growing boy, so each year we have lots of clothes and his old jacket. We also go through his toys and give away around half of them (cause he is getting new stuff for christmas). The local organizations work extra hard this time of year, putting together christmas hampers, ensuring nobody is left out in the cold and doing what ever they can to make christmas special for those less fortunate.
I have created a Facebook page and ask for prayers and energy to support my step dad, whom has been in the hospital with Cancer. bit.ly/5upUGF I hope you don’t mind if I solicit readers to join my group to support Rick (my step dad) in his battle with cancer. The doctor says it is terminal, there is no cure for this type of cancer.
It is the season for good will and miracles!
Happy Holidays!
Jeromy
Hi Jason,
How did you integrate the Facebook share and Tweetmeme buttons into your blog so nicely?
Was that custom work, a plug in or what?
Please, share and Merry Christmas,
Mark Edward Brown
Like the others said, great post. It’s important at all times to stop take stock of what we have and be grateful. If at any time of the year this is the most important time.
I stop and look around and am eternally grateful for what I have been blessed with and always look for new ways to “pay it forward”.
Take care and Happy Holidays!!
Giving to organizations is fine and they need all the help they can get. Don’t forget to give a portion of yourself to those in need close at hand.
Help someone with a little cash or a hand. When they promise to pay you back, smile and tell them to pay it forward.