Sometimes in our family we make agreements with each other to not do gifts and give to someone or a family in need. You don't have to travel very far from your own home to find places that you can help. Or you can travel around the world to see people who have nothing and would be thrilled with clean water to drink. Ways to help are all around us -- you can pick from a variety of great causes. I am going to share a few of my favorites with you.
This organization, Wig Out, was founded by family members of a dear friend of mine who lost her battle with cancer just over eight years ago. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides wigs to people who need them. You would be surprised at what a variety of people need wigs and are unable to get them. Maybe they don't know where to go, maybe they can't afford one -- and the recipients of these wigs are from every age group. They also have a Facebook presence if you want to know more.
Operation Christmas Child is an opportunity to pack a shoebox chock full of toys, clothes and goodies to be delivered by volunteers to children all over the world. The program is sponsored by Samaritan's Purse, helping in Jesus' name. They participate in several mission, crisis and disaster relief efforts in a very big way.
Samaritan's Purse also sponsors a program that provides animals to families who are taught how to raise and care for them, providing them with food and sometimes a modest income. You can help buy chickens - which a family can raise and reap the benefits of the eggs they lay, learn to use the droppings as fertilizer, and are taught how to grow food for them. Families are provided with the start up food, vocational training to build coops, and marketing skills for every participant. They do the same things with dairy animals and beekeeping.
This center is a Global Ministries Child Sponsorship site. It is called the Dumaguete Kalauman Development Center in Dumaguete City in the Philippines. They provide school uniforms, supplies and school fees, as well as medical assistance to kids with under employed or unemployed parents. Your donation enables these children who are among the poorest of the poor to be able to go to camps, participate in cultural activities, and to travel on field trips. With the recent devastating typhoon experienced by this country, the ways you can help are probably never-ending.
And of course, there are multiple opportunities for giving right under your nose. This particular event, Christmas Cheer for Children, is an annual one in my community, and it provides Christmas gifts for children within about a 150 mile area. It takes a village, and I am thankful for all these wonderful people who work so hard to provide opportunities for me to help in an organized way. Every little bit helps, and I hope you will consider giving to others this Christmas season.
