I tend to do more in donations for the community around the holidays. I know the community needs help all year, but for some reason, I, like a lot of people, tend to do a lot of it now.
Went grocery shopping yesterday and while I was there I picked up a food package. These things are great. They are prebagged packages of nonperishable food that you pick up and buy, and then the grocery store delivers them to families in the community for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas dinner. You can get $15, $10 or even $5 packages, so you can help out even if you don't have a lot of extra money. I grabbed a $5 one yesterday, and will grab another one next time I am at the store.
Also, today, while out holiday shopping, I was in the bookstore. Literacy is abig issue for me since I love books and words so much, and it breaks my heart that I live in a city where I am an exception because I have a college degree. Over half the population of this city cannot read or write above a 6th grade level. So, when something comes up for literacy, I always donate.
Anyways, at the bookstore they have this program where you pick up a tag, and it has girl or boy, and the age range of the child on it. Then you pick out a book for that child, buy it, and the bookstore delivers them to children from child and family services. My kinda program. So, I grabbed 3 tags, and picked up 3 books to donate. Total: a nice low $17.97 and I get to help give 3 kids some awesome books for the holidays. 
Total 2007 Donations: $107.97
PS It has come to my attention that these Donation posts could be seen as me bragging, saying "Look how much I donate, nah nah nah..." It's anything but that. I see these posts as ones where someone can read them and get ideas on how to help those in need for a small amount, even if they don't have a lot of extra money. No matter how bad off I am financially, I try to remember that at least I still have food, clothes, and a home. Not everyone is so lucky. I just want to pass these ideas on to others who may want to help, but feel that they don't have a lot of money to do so. *hugs*
Donations this week
November 28th, 2007 at 08:22 pm
November 28th, 2007 at 09:30 pm 1196285447
November 28th, 2007 at 09:48 pm 1196286526
I don't know, I just never knew donating was so passe. I notice that IRL too. No one wants to talk about it.
I hope more people here will share their holiday donation stories, if they are able. If unable/unwilling there are plenty of alternatives to giving money. Though it is a private thing all the same, I totally get that.
November 29th, 2007 at 01:18 am 1196299130
I really don't need anything this christmas, I would rather donate money this year. Another charity org that I'm looking at donating is for the needy (similar to the Salvo), which was good to us when I was younger.
November 29th, 2007 at 03:51 am 1196308296
It's a win-win way to support these worthy causes and stock up on nice gifts for family and friends at the same time.
I realize it's shopping, not charity, but it still feels very personal and community-friendly.
Koppur, I'm totally with you on the literacy thing. Education is the single, best ticket to financial freedom.
50% of your community has a 6th grade education?! Unbelievable, and so, so sad as to what kind of future lies ahead for these families.
November 29th, 2007 at 06:29 am 1196317773
November 29th, 2007 at 03:52 pm 1196351566