When Jay was about 5 years old I adopted an endangered crocodile for him at our local zoo. He thought that it was the best present ever. He knew the crocodile wasn't technically his, but he had a photograph of it framed in his room with an adoption certificate and he knew he was contributing toward it's food and medical treatments. It made him feel great to receive this gift so the following year I did the same thing. I've been seeing a lot of parents lately asking for suggestions on what to get their children because they have too many toys already. Why not give your child a gift that will keep on giving like adopting an endangered animal.
Here are a few ideas for gifts to give your loved ones this holiday season and throughout the coming year. Gifts that they will appreciate and that will benefit a very worthy cause.
A flock of ducks. $20. Heifer International - send a gift of animals on behalf of a loved one. Find out how these animals will provide families with resources they need.
Comfort Foods. $10-$55. 100% of proceeds benefit HELP USA (homes, jobs and services for America's homeless)
Dolls for refugee children. $20. The Animal Rescue Site. Supplies one doll each to 2 children living in refugee camps.
Adopt a snow leopard. $250. World Wildlife Fund. Kit includes family plush, framed certificate and photograph. 90 animals to choose from.
Holiday Gift Box that grows a Spruce tree. $30-$40. Pangea Organics. A portion of profits go to the Pangea Institute which is dedicated to research and training of sustainable living and business practices.
School supplies. $25. Oxfam America Unwrapped.
Blankets. $72-$168. Sari Bari. A safe home where women who have been exploited in the sex trade can have their dignity restored.
Charity Pot Body Lotion. $20.45. Lush. Every penny of the retail price (excluding tax) goes directly into a charitable fund to support animal rights, environmental protection and humanitarian concerns.
Each year my parents, brother, sister and I donate to a cause. We always donate to benefit a child. Normally we all donate together, but this year we've all chosen separate charities to donate to.
The one I chose is
This organization in Newton, Massachusetts work with over 70 shelters to throw birthday parties for homeless children. They are only able to do this with the help of volunteers and donations. Although my small donation doesn't nearly compare to Rachael Ray's $10,000 donation last week, I know it will help to throw a birthday party for one homeless child. I believe every child deserves to feel special on their birthday.
I will also be delivering a new toy to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
It is better to give than to receive so please give this holiday season!
