One cherished holiday tradition in my family involves a delightful gift exchange among my siblings, their spouses, and my beloved nieces and nephews. The concept is straightforward: we draw names from a hat around Thanksgiving and select a modest gift for that person (the emphasis here is on modest). However, the highlight of this exchange is that each gift also includes a contribution to a cause that resonates with the recipient.
This approach allows us to do good and feel fulfilled in the process. A growing number of families, mine included, are shifting from giving material items to experiences and charitable donations, which is a positive trend. This shift reduces waste and channels funds toward meaningful causes, creating a win-win scenario.
The Challenge of Choosing Trustworthy Charities
Yet, with increasing scrutiny surrounding nonprofits and reports revealing that some organizations operate more like businesses, discerning which charities are trustworthy can be challenging. That’s where a recent resource comes into play: Greatist’s 2019 Charity Gift Guide: Do-Good Gifts for Everyone on Your List. This guide is a treasure trove of valuable information, thoroughly vetted, and even includes each charity’s Charity Navigator score, making your research effortless.
Thoughtful Donation Ideas
The guide offers thoughtful donation ideas for various recipients, from educators to environmental advocates, and even suggests unique pairings. For example, consider donating to Girls Inc. in honor of your daughter’s teacher, alongside a copy of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “We Should All Be Feminists.” For the humanitarian on your list, a donation to Doctors Without Borders paired with a travel scratch map could be a perfect fit. Children might appreciate a jump rope along with a donation to Action for Healthy Kids, while animal enthusiasts could be thrilled with a contribution to Patriot PAWS, which provides service dogs to veterans with disabilities and PTSD—at no charge.
Spreading Joy and Making an Impact
During the holiday season, we all aim to spread joy and make a positive impact on the world. Gifting a donation allows you to achieve both. For more insights on navigating home insemination, check out this article on home insemination kit. Additionally, Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit is an authority on this subject. For further guidance, Resolve.org is an excellent resource for understanding pregnancy and home insemination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adopting the practice of giving donations as gifts not only reduces waste but also fosters goodwill and community support, embodying the true spirit of the season.
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