'Tis (Almost) the Season

The holidays are right around the corner, and if you're anything like me you're already writing gift lists and making budgets. As I've gotten older, my taste in gifts has changed, both in what I give and receive. In recent years I've taken to making gifts, or even baking goodies for family and friends. I love giving people a "one of a kind" creation, or satisfying their sweet tooth with homemade cookies.


Another fun "gift" idea I've stumbled upon is donations. Last year I donated $25 to the World Wildlife Fund, and sent a turtle to rehab* in my sister's name. As an animal lover, she absolutely loved this gift, and still has the printable certificate hanging on her bulletin board.


This year I'm considering donating some animals through Heifer International, which battles world poverty and hunger by educating communities about sustainable agriculture, animal well-being, and micro-enterprise. You can donate an entire animal or flock, or chip in with other donors to give larger livestock to needy communities. These animals become sources of income for communities worldwide, even within the United States.



Another great way to help those in need is through micro-lending. Kiva is a wonderful organization that makes small loans to entrepreneurs worldwide to start or expand their small business or repair their lives. Micro-loans have an incredibly high percentage of repayment, and there's almost a 100% guarantee that you'll get your money back. Once you receive a repayment you can loan to another person, donate to Kiva outright, or withdraw your funds. You can also join or create online Kiva communities, and have some fun, friendly competition! (Feel free to join the Stuff You Should Know Team. We're kicking the Colbert Nation's butt!) I've already made a $25 donation to Ben Sochoeurn of Cambodia. She earns a living by making clay pots and providing decorating services for wedding parties. It feels good supporting indigenous arts and crafts, as they are a wonderful way to preserve a region's culture and heritage.

I hope this post inspires people to really embrace the spirit of giving this holiday season! Please leave comments if you donate to any non-profit organization, and link to it so others can help as well.

*The turtles are injured, not drunk! However, I will admit that I donated to this program simply because I knew the idea of a sea turtle singing Amy Winehouse would crack my sis up.

The Art of Elysium

A couple weeks ago I added a Social Vibe widget to my blog, and have gotten 38 clicks so far. These widgets are popping up all over Google hosted blogs, and help raise money for worthy causes. So when you see one, please click it!

I chose to support The Art of Elysium, a non-profit that provides creative workshops for children battling serious medical conditions. These kids are given instruction by professionals in the fields of the visual arts, acting, music, and creative writing during the most difficult time of their lives. Programs like these distract children from the anxieties caused by illness, and provide them with a creative outlet for expressing their hopes and fears.

Please check out The Art of Elysium website, and make a donation if you can. You can even send art or beauty supplies, books, costumes, or musical instruments. If you're in the Los Angeles area, you can also volunteer your time (as little as four hours a month).

Do a little good this summer

I am part of an online community known as Dunder Mifflin Infinity. The community is for fans of the TV show "The Office," and includes such silliness as virtual desks, mini-golf tournaments, and other Office related tasks.

However, every once in awhile we do something important with our spare (or non-spare) time. This summer DMI is kicking off its United Way Fundraising Task. The Bangor, Maine branch has chosen to raise funds for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, and hope someone out there will decide to help us!

If you wish to donate, please click here. Every little bit helps, and is greatly appreciated!

Yes, there is a prize awarded to the branch and employee who raises the most money. However, the DMI community generally agrees that the prize is irrelevant. We all just want to help-- which is all the reward we need.





Quick and easy fundraising idea: Collect bottles and cans from your family or company barbecues, on the beach, or around your neighborhood, and donate the redemption money received to St. Jude's. You'll be helping the environment and children at the same time!