Donating

I'm always looking for new ways to support charities that matter to me. When we registered for our wedding 3% of all purchases that were made by our guests online went to The Human Society of the United States. I discovered afterwards that we had donated close to $500, which made me very happy. So, thank you to all my friends that purchased registry gifts online. I try and purchase registry gifts online for this very reason, there are close to 50 charities that the couple can choose to donate 3% of all purchased items to.
This is the season of giving, not receiving, I truly believe that. I'm fortunate that my office is a Marine Toys for Tots Foundation collection center. I try to bring in at least two presents for the children every year - a boy and a girl. You can find awesome gifts that do not cost a lot of money. I could not imagine a poor, innocent, child waking up to no Christmas. Imagine how different these children's lives could be from simply receiving a toy on Christmas.
Two years ago my husband and I had an opportunity to adopt two children to sponsor for Christmas through The Salvation Army: Angel Giving Tree rather than buy presents for each other that holiday season. We adopted a girl that wanted educational toys (I cried when I read that) and a little boy that loved all things Spiderman and all he wanted was a Spiderman Bed Comforter (we got him all things Spiderman). My husband and I went to town at Target - we were even given their shoe and clothing size to buy them some much needed new clothing. We will be going to JC Penny again to be a child's angel again this year. I encourage all of you to do the same or form a group with a couple friends and do it, the rewards of giving are so much more awesome then receiving.
Finally, this is my newest most favorite way of giving this season and throughout the entire year. If you drink Coca-Cola Products you might be aware of My Coke Rewards. Codes can be found on every coke product sold and you take these codes, log them in, and receive points. You can take these points and donate them to a cause or school of your choice. I'm going to do some research on which school I would like to support and will keep all of you posted, but if you drink Coca Cola products please sign up to do the same. It takes a matter of minutes to log the codes.
There are many ways to give. You can give of your time, FANTASTIC! You can even give your hair, which I'm proud to admit that my sister has done two or three times now for Locks of Love. Post some comments about what all of you plan to do this season and this year to help those that are less fortunate. I'm always looking for new ideas and I hope that I've given some good ones for all of you. Happy Thanksgiving!