Sunday, December 13, 2009

Christmas "Presence" (with a Technology Twist)

I am in Kannapolis, NC this week doing Professional Development with local teachers.  I attended church at Kimball Lutheran this morning where the pastor talked about Christmas "Presence" instead of "Presents."  Meaning, giving the gift of yourself, whether in person or through volunteer and humanitarian efforts.  As an addendum to MY PREVIOUS POST about Christmas related technology, I thought it would be worth posting about how your "PRESENCE" could make a holiday difference for others.  (Thanks for the inspiration, Pastor Rhoades...)

  • Give a GOAT! - You can help save the lives of starving children, families, even communities. You can help do it by making a gift to provide a family with a goat. Goat milk is a wonderful source of life for children, and there is just no better-adapted, hardier animal on the planet.
  • KIVA - Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty.
  • Salvation Army - Through your support of The Salvation Army, you are giving back to those who need it most in your community; helping provide toys for kids at Christmas, coats for the homeless, food for the hungry and many other social services throughout the year.
  • United Way - United Way is a worldwide network in 45 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all, by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. 
  • Be An Elf - At participating Post Offices you can read real letters to Santa from needy kids, and choose one or more letters that touch you. Then send your gifts in the US Mail, marked "from Santa" if you like. 
  • Toys For Tots - The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
  • Tis Best Philanthropy - TisBest Philanthropy created this fantastic donation gift card for friends, family members, sweethearts, customers and everyone else truly important.  The recipient spends their TisBest Charity Gift Card by donating to a charity they believe in.  
  • FEEL FREE TO ADD YOUR OWN FAVORITE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION! 

2 comments:

  1. Mike,
    Thanks for the mention. We're excited about helping people give more good than more stuff!
    Jon Siegel, Executive Director, TisBest Philanthropy

    ReplyDelete
  2. When it comes to giving a christmas gift there are a few things that come to mind. One option is something simple like a new ornament or toy.

    ReplyDelete