"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, 

as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."

1 Peter 4, 10

         

With a little forethought and basically just paying attention, you'll discover there are many ways to give memorable gifts that also support nonprofits or faith-based organizations.  What a great way to honor someone!  You're actually accomplishing three things: 

1) Shifting some of your hard-earned Christmas funds to support a worth-while organization
2) Helping the recipient feel extra good about your gift because you helped someone else but also remembered them with love
3) You were able to put two "check" marks on your to-do list.....Got that gift for Sally Sue or Joe Blow, and supported that water well campaign through your favorite nonprofit that you've been wanting to send some money to. (or whatever)

Do you have someone on your list 
that doesn't need a thing?  
Many organizations will send an acknowledgement card either directly to the recipient, or directly to you so it can be gift wrapped.  Or you may be able to print it yourself.  This can be really helpful if you're a last minute shopper! Look at Compassion Child, World Vision, Women for Women International, and the Salvation Army, for example.

Some Ideas:

Look back through my blog for ideas from Comfy Cozy and Bridgewater Candles.  Comfy Cozy provides clothing to help make someone's chemo experience more comfortable. Bridgewater's fabulous candles are still burning in our home....they last forever....who doesn't love candles, especially when part of the proceeds go to feed kids in orphanages?

Do you have an animal lover on your list?  Do an online search in the local area of the gift recipient to see if any rescue organizations are selling products to support their efforts.  In my area a photographer donated her time and a beautiful calendar is available with pictures of the cutest pups ever as the models.

If you live in a metropolitan area, chances are there is a Ten Thousand Villages store where you can buy beautiful items made by artisans from all over the world.  They also have a great web site
www.tenthousandvillages.com  where things can be ordered and there's information about the artists and their mission. Ten Thousand Villages is one of the world's oldest and largest fair trade organizations.  Fair Trade means that the company or organization provides artisans and other small businesses that are under- or unemployed the opportunity to earn an income and improve their quality of life.  Artists agree on a fair price for their work and develop a long-term relationship that provides mutual benefits.  The artists are given cash advances and are paid promptly for their wares.  This is a great place to shop responsibly.

And we all love some comfy socks!
In my December Faithbox www.faithbox.com delivery I was delighted to see a pair of colorful, well-made socks from a company named Mitscoots Outfitters. www.mitscoots.com
(What is Faithbox, you ask?  You missed that post!  Scroll down......
it's another GREAT idea for a gift!) 

The Mitscoots Mission: Get....Give....Employ

Mitscoots employs transitioning homeless folks to do their packaging and for every item purchased they give an equal quality item to someone in need.  How cool is that??  They sell things besides socks, but the socks (for example) are manufactured in North Carolina and packaged in Austin, Texas. 

"Our socks last because they are designed for the needs of those that may have to wear them for days on end.  We're modest about most things, but the quality of our socks isn't one of them.  They are bright, bold and comfortable and represent your commitment to helping the homeless."

They also have beenies, scarves, gloves and t-shirts.

It's easy to be socially responsible with a little research.  Please open your heart to the possibility of sharing your treasure with those in need, as well as pleasing others with your gifts.

Pie, Faith, and the Red Cross

I'm a pie gal.
I consider pie one of the Lord's best gifts.  I really like cake, but I love pie. I daydream about various flavors of pie, my history with that particular type, how it might taste, the texture, pie travel destinations, and on and on.  I grew up learning from my mother to make pie that looks very similar to the above.  Although hers would have meringue.  I am sad that I've not kept up with my pie-making skills, which were exceptional for a kid, if I do say so myself.  I love pie but am now somewhat a boring eater and avoid sugar and gluten.  I am also a lazy cook.  So I don't have it very often.  Thus, I had to have a picture of this piece of coconut creme that I ate on National Pie Day.  It was amazing.

Speaking of gifts.....
If you've read a few of my earlier posts you saw that I am also a fan of Faithbox.  www.faithbox.com  Sorry for repeating a topic, but I really think this is a great company that you need to know about.  They put together great little gift boxes full of inspiration for the mind, body and spirit.  They will ship them to you or someone that you think needs a lift.  They are different each month so it's always a nice surprise.  This month there's a book by best-selling author Jefferson Bethke, "It's Not What You Think" (Why Christianity Is About So Much More Than Going To Heaven When You Die).  I'm eager to dive in!.  Each Faithbox also includes a monthly devotional, "Everyday Faith".  The October booklet is also by Jefferson Bethke and each day's reading is short but thought-provoking.  A delicious-looking (and vegan, gluten and dairy free!) Chocolate Espresso Bean bar from a company named Kutoa is included.  Tag line: "For every bar you buy we give a meal to a child in need."  Then there's the yummy smelling candle packaged in a cute jar with a lid.  

Light the candle, make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, have a healthy snack, and curl up with a good book.  What a great gift, for yourself or someone else that you love.

Donate Responsibly
Also in an earlier post I reminded readers of the importance of checking out organizations you are not familiar with before you get involved or donate funds.  Charity Navigator, www.charitynavigator.org, Give.org, www.give.org, and Charitywatch.org www.charitywatch.org are all good sources.  You may find different types of information on each site so if you want the most complete picture of an organization look at a couple of watchdog sites.  

And then there's the Red Cross
I found it very interesting and encouraging to hear a fairly critical report about the Red Cross on the national NPR network last week.  http://www.npr.org/2014/10/29/359365276/on-superstorm-sandy-anniversary-red-cross-under-scrutiny One of those reporting was a representative from Charity Navigator.  Frankly I wasn't at all surprised to hear the criticism.....they've been in trouble for years.....but I was pleased to hear the Red Cross publicly "called on the carpet", so to speak.  This is a great example of being careful who you give to.  Most people think the Red Cross is wonderful and provide everything people need when disaster strikes.  I'm sure there are small local offices that do a fine job with providing supplies after a fire, etc. However the national organization has been soundly criticized for diverting assets to help their image during Superstorm Sandy, for one of many examples.  So be careful with your funds.  Just google the Red Cross.  There are many organizations that are better managed and are better stewards of your donations than the Red Cross.

Have a blessed week!