PLEASE CHECK IN WITH HOLIDAY DONATIONS YOU ARE MAKING THIS YEAR.

[RBInMaine]

Last edited Sat Dec 7, 2013, 11:45 AM - Edit history (3)

With all the commercialism and receiving that happens this time of year, I thought it would be nice to celebrate the season of giving and doing for others which is what the season is really all about too, if not more than anything.

I think it would be interesting and inspiring to check in with donations people are making and share things, and maybe people can get some giving ideas they never thought of before. I realize not everyone can give as much as others can, but just thought it would be nice to have some shares.

My immediate family and I always make a number of small donations during the season, usually ten bucks or so for each charity, and a few others of larger amounts for a total of a about a few hundred dollars each holiday season. We always wish we could do more, but if everyone does just a little, that means a lot. We also donate to a number of causes throughout the year such as cancer foundations and Shrine children's hospitals. Here are ours this season:

* Secret Santa toys for one boy and one girl
* The Salvation Army
* Local animal shelter
* Local homeless shelter
* Local mental health hospital
* Local fuel oil and Christmas gift funds for families in need (run by local school department)
* Small donations to our college alma maters' scholarship programs
* Wounded Warrior Project
* The Carter Center
* The Red Cross

If people are giving TIME such as volunteering somewhere, please note that as well.

It is the season of giving. THANKS for all you do during the season and year round.

[Niceguy1]

1. we do

Toys for tots
And salvation army

[RBInMaine]

2. Awesome. THANKS :-)

[Arcanetrance]

3. Toys for tots, defenders of wildlife, humane society, local animal shelter

As well as donate my services cooking and serving food on Xmas and Xmas eve.

[RBInMaine]

4. WOW. Thanks.

[CTyankee]

5. CT Food Bank. The need is outstripping the supply. I sent them a check so they can buy what they

need most. My husband has given to a local homeless shelter.

[RBInMaine]

9. Great.Thanks. Ya, the food banks everywhere are in BIG need.

[HappyMe]

6. Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, local food pantry.

There is a coats for kids collection but I'm not sure if we can swing that this year. If we can't buy the new coats, I think they take hats and mittens too - I'll have to check.

[RBInMaine]

10. Our union is doing a coats for kids program. THANKS

[99Forever]

7. Seems rather crude to flaunt ones "giving holiday donations"...

... on an internet forum to me.

But that's just me. I'll pass.

[RBInMaine]

12. Oh come on. No one is flaunting anything. Do you have to be a Debby Downer? Sheesh.

What got into your Cheerios today? This is about sharing what people are doing for others, reminding people that this is the season of giving and what the season is really all about, not just the commercialism, and maybe some people will be able to get some giving ideas they didn't have before.

Lighten up, will ya.

[Agschmid]

14. +1

[99Forever]

17. If having to let the world "know how generous" I am...

... was necessary, I might agree with you. However, I don't require yours or anyone else's attaboy for what I choose or don't choose to give. Quite frankly, I think it defeats the entire premise of being charitable and reminds of those "good christians" that insist on "praying to their god" in every public venue.

Quit patting yourself on the back, it's quite tacky. Lighten up, yourself.

[RBInMaine]

18. Yup, there is always one SOUR CYNIC in the crowd who has to look for the worst in things. Sad.

I have updated the OP and clarified the motive if that helps you. You should lighten up and drop the cynicism about others' motives with something like this. It really stinks. Have a nice day.

[polichick]

32. Agreed - reminds me of the Pharisees.

[woo me with science]

35. +1

[Le Taz Hot]

38. Well, I answered the thread

and it wasn't about "patting myself on the back" AT ALL. It was about ways to give if one is on a very limited budget. For whatever reason, you CHOOSE to put a cynical spin on this well-meaning thread. You might want to think about that for a minute.

[Hekate]

47. Nothing like a big dose of vinegar to add to the holiday cheer

Some people like to give a boost to their favorite organizations by mentioning them here -- it's why I always mention Direct Relief International. I'm not a great big donor, but if I can persuade a few people to look at their website and maybe toss a few bucks toward the Philippines fund (for instance) then that's a good thing.

But you just go right on dumping vinegar in the eggnog.

[RBInMaine]

74. Thanks. You make a great point.

[whistler162]

75. Actually yes you are! But, then if it helps you feel better

about yourself go for it.

[Agschmid]

13. Disagree...

When I see what other people are doing it gives me new ideas of how to help! It also is encouraging to see how many others are willing to give what they can.

This board is anonymous to some so no one is "peacock-ing"... But read into it however you want.

[RBInMaine]

92. Thanks !

[Vashta Nerada]

56. I was thinking the same thing.

[TBF]

58. You know I could've done a paragraph

about how the whole "charity" thing is ridiculous. If we had a system other than capitalism there wouldn't be a need to have outside organizations such as non-profits and churches doing this kind of allocation.

But the reality is that we do have capitalism and while we work towards something fairer and more equitable there is nothing wrong (in fact it should be admired) when folks actually look outside themselves and give to others - whether offering funds, giving tangible items, or donating one's time.

[mfcorey1]

82. Sometimes sharing allows others to create unique ideas in their areas for the underserved. Chill!

[99Forever]

83. Chill yourself.

My response was over a week ago, but that doesn't change the fact that patty oneself on the back for being "oh-so-charitable" is tacky and crude.

[mfcorey1]

84. Your opinion. Peace.

[melm00se]

99. i know that some folks here

brush off the Bible but it does contain some good comments:

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:1-4

[w8liftinglady]

8. I tend to donate all year round

I like to make meditation beads for my patients.Pretty much all the homeless in Dallas County have at least one.Generally we just buy groceries and stuff for the homeless shelters.I raised my kids to know that one gift is donated to those in need.I'd usually put a card in their stockings letting them know that they helped someone.They liked that.

[RBInMaine]

15. Wow. That is a really neat thing you're doing. I wish I had more time to hand-make things.

[Agschmid]

11. I'll be coordinating an adopt a family at work!

We try to do it for at least four kids, and it's pretty fun activity.

[RBInMaine]

16. GREAT !

[octoberlib]

19. I only donate to local charities

And this holiday season they are Project Halo (animal rescue) ,Harvest Food Bank and Coats for Kids.

[RBInMaine]

20. Awesome. THANKS :-) I do a mix of local and national. The LOCAL focus is VERY important.

[RBInMaine]

91. Awesome. Thanks.

[TBF]

21. We do monthly payroll donation to United Way -

also several small donations each month to various charities, charity races friends are running and the like, church adopt a family etc ... and I did a large donation to the Houston Food Bank on the first of this month.

[RBInMaine]

23. That's awesome. My workplace does a small payroll deduction to United Way too.

[TBF]

33. Also - forgot to add that my daughter's

girl scout troop gets to volunteer at the food bank this year. They are young so only sorting food, but I'm glad to get her involved in the "giving" side of things rather than always "getting". Hope you have a nice holiday, RBInMaine.

[RBInMaine]

42. Great for kids to get involved.In boy scouts we sold trees and would give a few to local needy folks

[LWolf]

22. only one

I'm donating food to the local fire-department's food drive. As nutritious as possible given the limits to what they can take: canned goods and dry packaged food.

I am collecting canned veggies, fruits, soups, stews, tuna/chicken/salmon, and milk; oatmeal, crackers, dried fruits, nuts, rice, etc.. I'll be dropping the food off this next week.

If I could, I'd also be donating, to various local groups, firewood and pet supplies. As it is, I barely have enough of those myself.

[RBInMaine]

24. Excellent. There so much need out there. Thanks for what you are doing.

[RBInMaine]

25. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH CELEBRATING CHARITABLE GIVING. :-)

Not that anyone is looking for a pat on the back or is flaunting anything, NOT AT ALL. But what is wrong with sharing how we enjoy giving back to our communities in this festive season and doing for others? There is nothing at all wrong with this. Americans have events all the time honoring donors and participants for organizations of all kinds and celebrating collectively for giving and doing all we give and do in aid of others. It is OK to feel good about it, to share ideas, and share what we do for others because we want to sincerely help others. It is gratifying to help others and give back. We celebrate so much during this season of giving, and it is ok to celebrate and honor the giving itself. It is very much what the season is all about.

So thanks so much, DUers, for doing all you do during this season and all year round. It is selfless and honorable and you SHOULD feel good about it.

[LWolf]

34. A local friend

will be taking all the food that comes in to the fire-fighters, dividing it into boxes that will make whole meals, and helping deliver. She also volunteers at her local school once a week, and has for many years, even though her own kids moved on 5 years ago. She talks a lot about community, about being an active part, and she walks her talk.

She's also a Republican.

An "old school" Republican. Not a fundie, not a tea-party wacko. She was raised that way. She's not really partisan, and is a strong supporter of social and economic justice, she just doesn't see the point in changing her voting registration. Since the community is heavily red, she feels she can make a bigger difference working with them at the local level.

One of the things she does on a regular basis is call them on their bullshit attacks on Obama. She encourages them to find legitimate things to bitch about, rather than repeat the general right-wing line.

[RBInMaine]

36. Nice story. Thanks. I know plenty of old schoolers who do some good charity work too.

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

26. i decided to make it more personal this year

I've been dismayed at the increasing number of homeless in my area. I went to a Dollar General and bought 20 blankets, tube socks, granola bars, and toilet paper and made 20 kits in canvas bags. I've been handing them out. Was less than $50 and is well received. I'm thinking to do this every month.

[RBInMaine]

27. AWESOME. Cool idea.

[KarenS]

29. I like this idea,,,,

Thank you for sharing it!!

Here's a link to "Blessing Bags" too.

http://www.meetpenny.com/2011/12/giving-to-the-homeless-homeless-blessing-bags/

It also has some more ideas for the bags.

As well as the idea to ask someone if they might know someone who needs this.
It gives the person a chance to decline the bag.

[RBInMaine]

31. Thanks ! GREAT IDEAS !

[peacebird]

28. Both local food banks, the free clinic, both local volunteer fire depts, amnesty intl, rescue squad

[RBInMaine]

30. WOW ! That's awesome. Thanks.

[Le Taz Hot]

37. I've VERY limited resources

but I find if you can give a little at a time, it doesn't have a large negative impact on an already-tight budget.

I donated $38.00 to our local Rescue Mission and that fed 25 people. I plan on doing the same for Christmas (as soon as the 15th rolls around).

I do a "big" shopping once a week and I vowed last year to buy 5 boxes/cans/jars of non-perishable food each week, set them aside and when I have enough for an extra trip (it's kind of far away from my home) I deliver them about once a month.

I often don't have a lot of cash with me but I'll donate $1.00 or $2.00 to a homeless person.

I've picked up the pre-mixed tuna and/or chicken salad boxes (with crackers) to handed them out to homeless people.

I know this doesn't sound like a lot and it's not, but it's what I can afford to give and I give what I can.

[KarenS]

39. That's a good idea,,,,

buying just a little extra each shopping trip and buying sale items would help the budget and increase the result.

Le Taz Hot, it does sound like alot.

[RBInMaine]

43. That's awesome. Any little bit helps. We give several $10 donations.

[TBF]

59. It doesn't always have to be $$$ either -

there are many organizations that also need volunteers for sorting food donations, walking the shelter animals, driving the meals on wheels to their recipients.

[Nictuku]

40. I would if I could...

... but this year, much like last year, I am barely holding on, financially. My mother and I won't even be exchanging gifts. We will figure out a way to do something for the 2 children in our family, but everything else is out of reach. As it is, we are not using the heater, because last year when we did, we had a PG&E bill that was over $500.00. Fortunately my cousin has brought us firewood and that is keeping the house warm enough (as long as we wear warm clothing), and then we have these ceramic wall heaters that keep the chill off in our bedrooms while we sleep, but don't cost anything that the house heater costs.

I'm not trying to give a sob story here, I'm just trying to point out that financially, some people just don't have 'extra' money. It is all we can do to hold on to our home, our own security. We have had to cut back in every way possible. I used to drive to work, (125 miles round trip a day), but with the cost of fuel, I couldn't afford that any more, so now I am taking public transportation (my daily commute is has gone from 3.5 hours to 5.75 hours). But I'm saving a lot of money this way, but now I don't have time to do much of anything but work, commute, eat, sleep. I have no social life.

But I do have a roof over our heads, a home, we are able to keep warm enough, we are able to eat decent healthy food, and we are able go to the doctor when we need.

We are rich compared to many in the world today. In 4 years, I should be out from under a terrible credit card debt we racked up, and maybe then ... maybe then I can get away from the 'charity begins at home' meme that I am currently stuck in. When I can afford to buy my mother a Christmas gift, then I can think about giving to others. Until then, I just feel guilty.

[Le Taz Hot]

41. Up until this year

my husband and I were in the same boat and we couldn't give anything either. This economy is STILL sucking big time. Yes, more people have gotten jobs, but at a fraction of what they used to make. Meanwhile EVERYTHING is going up in cost. You give when you can and don't when you can't. Leave the guilt behind.

[RBInMaine]

45. Yup exactly, and if someone can only make one small donation or do a few hours in a local

soup kitchen, then so be it. Hey, if everyone does just a little bit, TOGETHER we make a huge difference.

[RBInMaine]

44. That's ok. Hang in there. :-)

[Hekate]

48. I hope so much that some of what is going around here ends up circulating to you

You know, the ripple effect...

You will find some way to make your kidlets' Christmas bright, I know you will. And better times will come. Blessings and blessings.

[Hekate]

46. Local Food Bank last week. Planned Parenthood got theirs in Sept. Direct Relief International soon.

It's all local, even DRI, because their headquarters is here. If I can find the Transition House (homeless families transitioning back into regular housing) envelope I may drop them a check too.

For most of my life my donations were very small indeed, but we've been doing well the past few years and it occurred to me that we could do a lot more. After hubby retires again our donations will doubtless shrink back as our income does. I'm a big believer in the proposition that many people making small donations make a big difference.

[RBInMaine]

61. GREAT !

[LiberalElite]

49. Soles for Souls and

Food banks.

[RBInMaine]

62. Great, thanks.

[SiobhanClancy]

50. I give to HART of Maine

It's a wonderful animal rescue organization,mainly for kitties. I am fairly poor(I work at Hannaford...you're in Maine so no doubt are familiar with it.)

I decided some time ago that I would concentrate the pittance I can come up with for animals. Every time I use my debit card,the virtual change goes into a little savings account,and at the end of the year I have several hundred dollars to give them. Makes me happy

[RBInMaine]

63. Yup, we have a Hannaford in town and use it a lot. Thanks for what you do.

[JeffHead]

51. Just made my annual run to Costco with a budget of 750 dollars.

I bought food and supplies for the local no-kill animal shelter, canned goods for the local food pantry and, toys for Toys for Tots. I spent all day running around picking up and delivering all this stuff and when I was done, my car was empty but, my heart was full. Just giving back, even a little bit, makes you feel all warm inside. So I got that going for me, which is good.

[Agschmid]

60. Very cool!

[RBInMaine]

64. Great, thanks.

[Blue_Tires]

52. I donated some unopened Hot Wheels cars to the Marines toy drive...

[RBInMaine]

65. Great. Toys for Tots is a good one.

[hrmjustin]

53. To my church and Episcopal Charities.

[RBInMaine]

66. Great, thanks.

[PumpkinAle]

54. Instead of gifts

we ask for donations to be made - people can give locally or globally (Habit for Humanity, Doctors without Borders, Oxfam, etc).

We also take names of trees at the local stores, help the food bank and the animal charities.

We are blessed and we try to give a little to help others not only at this time of year but throughout.

After all how many ties or watches do you need???

[RBInMaine]

67. GREAT, thanks.

[diabeticman]

55. My wife and I are giving an ex-client the money to get the 2 of the three kittens fixed for the

client who can't afford to do it herself. My wife explained that pets for this woman are theroputic. Unfortunately we can't do much more like we had hoped.

[RBInMaine]

68. That's very nice. Thanks.

[liberal_at_heart]

57. local food bank and either animal shelter or Guide Dog's for the Blind.

[RBInMaine]

69. Great, thanks.

[Tree-Hugger]

70. We have relied on charity this year

We're in a situation right now where we rely heavily on charity. Some of our biggest help is coming from DU through Wishadoo. We have also relied on St. Vincent de Paul, United Way, and our local food bank, and some friends.

It's hard to have anything to give, but we try our best. Right now, I am trying to declutter our home and purge unwanted toys, clothes and stuff. We donate it to both St. Vincent de Paul and to The Purple Heart Society.

[RBInMaine]

71. Great that you are able to donate old items. That is important too.

[yeoman6987]

94. Charity

Are you saying that you are receiving charity, but still are trying to give back? If that is true and I read your post correctly, I am completely speechless and quite frankly you made my day.

[Tree-Hugger]

96. Yes

We are currently relying on charities such as United Way and Wishadoo (which is through DU ). I still try to give what I can, usually clothes, household items, etc that we no longer use.

[yeoman6987]

98. You are great!

I am touched! I think I love you for opening my eyes to people receiving and they give back. A little embarrassed that it never occurred to me that this happens, but you literally want me to give even more!

[Tree-Hugger]

100. There are many like me

I know a lot of poor folks who are very charitable. They do what they can, be it volunteering or donating things.

Don't be embarrassed.

[mnhtnbb]

72. Habitat for Humanity, local food bank, local repertory company,

local Red Cross, local PBS, local classical music station.

We usually spread our donations out through the year.

This year there won't be as many funds available to make donations
as we got hit with tax adjustments for the previous two years
on the new house we built to replace the one that burned down,
as well as a BIG federal tax payment last April due to me not
realizing what hubby's income was the previous year and upping
our withholding. All told, we are paying about $27,000 MORE in
federal income/property taxes than we anticipated for this year.

[RBInMaine]

73. We give to several charities, but only in small amounts. We all have limits. But a little bit helps

[WinkyDink]

76. Local: SA; rescue mission; shelter; church. Nat'l: NFBlind.

[RBInMaine]

85. THANKS

[JustAnotherGen]

77. Through my work

We can "adopt" families. You go down to the Christmas Tree at the gym and grab a tag with what they want and their story.

So I grabbed five. Toys and stuff for the kids 0 but we always slip in a $100 gift card to whatever grocery store is easy to get to in the town te family is in.

Santa through the UU Church - that one a bit more complex.

Big donation to our local food bank (we volunteer regularly at three now).

Donation to Vietnam Vets of America - a lot of those older vets are struggling under taking care of their health.

It might not seem like much but (hesitant to post this) we do pretty well financially and are a childless by chance couple so the six adoptions add up to quite a bit. I have no problem buying a poor kid an electronic gaming system or especially . . .a tablet.

My husband feels the same way . . . Christmas is for children and we (note the Food Bank work we do) just amplify our giving at this time of year. And I always have a soft spot for our Vietnam Vets . . . My father was one.

Remember - these guys were deliberately and maliciously poisoned by the Fed Gov. If their bodies haven't imploded yet - they soon will. The older ones if they are retired may be having trouble getting the VA to acknowledge that the diabetes is a result of the Rainbow Of Agents they were exposed to. So they may be having to ake choices between heating their homes or managing their diabetes. They are very much cast aside and forgotten. The VVA can connect you with men who really need just a tiny hand throughout the year to help.

^Shameless Plea For Help^

[RBInMaine]

87. Great. Thanks.

[Frustratedlady]

78. Local food banks.

If they receive monetary donations, they can buy much more than if I were to give them food items, so I go that route.

I see the number of people lined up on the days they donate the food and can't imagine they can have enough to cover everyone. It used to be there were only a few, but it is now a long line.

[RBInMaine]

88. Need is growing. We give to a local school-based food drive and to a food pantry.

[grilled onions]

79. You Should Be Proud

AT a time when more is thought to be better, when some kids who have more than enough keep getting more and some automatically buy just to be buying or try to outspend another it is refreshing to read how others help out mankind and gives others ideas of how they can help out by cash,items or man power. This is almost like a public service announcement! For some where just about all kinds of giving is out of the financial/physical question there are so many lonely people out there who could use a simple well being check by phone or,if they live down the road,in person. Dogs always need walking at the shelters, especially at a time when many volunteers are busy with their own families. Shelter animals do not understand why so many of their humanoid friends do not seem to be around much.
For those with talented fingers they can easily knit/crochet hats,socks all through the year. If you are a crafter you probably know other crafters who often have odd bits of materials like yarns that are never large enough for another project but they would be perfect for lap warmers,socks,scarves and hats. Ask your crafty friends for their leftovers! Put a box in your local church asking for yarn, buttons etc. Often times people will be very willing to donate if you know what you want them for. Again you are not bragging. You are simply explaining why you need such items.
Bragging to me is someone talking about buying yet another video game system or flat screen tv at a time when so many would be happy if they found a warm grate to sleep on during a cold winters night.

[RBInMaine]

86. Thanks. The intention of this OP was draw attention to what I think is the true meaning of this

season of light and life and GIVING BACK to the community and to our fellow human beings. And yes, many f us also do things for others not just during the holiday season but all year round. There is nothing wrong, I think, with celebrating giving and sharing how we do for others. It may give some people some ideas for doing more or doing other things, just as you have shared. Thanks again.

[aristocles]

80. MATTHEW 6.1-4

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

[RBInMaine]

89. As a non-theist I will not adhere to religious gospel. No one here is trying to brag. Read on:

Read my post. It is about sharing ideas and bringing attention to what the true meaning of this season of light, life, and joy is. There is nothing wrong with sharing how we give back. And will say there is nothing wrong with feeling good about it, which does not constitute bragging in any way, shape, or form. There is nothing wrong with sharing additional ideas about how to do for others. Organizations have all kinds of donor celebration events and events for thanking donors and benefactors. There is nothing bad about that. That said, there is nothing at all wrong with these shares and remembering what this season of giving is really all about, and that is not bragging.

[mfcorey1]

81. Weekend food backpack project for children. Each weekend they pickup

a backpack of food to feed them through the weekend when they are not in school.

[RBInMaine]

90. Awesome. That is just great.

[yeoman6987]

93. Paul Walker

I sent my donations to Paul Walker's charity. I did it in his honor, but I also read over what the charity does and was pretty impressed with the work they do all over the World. I am pleased with the charity.

[Freddie]

95. The school where I work

I work at a regional technical high school where a surprising number of students come from poor families. Faculty and staff have collected about $1000 so far to give these kids a better Christmas. When you think of "kids on need" you tend to think of little ones and not teenagers, but teens deserve some things under the tree too.
I also give to my church, local food bank and the cat rescue group where we got our wonderful orange boys Freddie and Riley.

[RBInMaine]

103. That's great. Our local schools do the same thing.

[Dawson Leery]

97. Connecticut Food Bank.

[RBInMaine]

104. In Maine we have The Good Shepherd Food Bank that many of us give to.

[dem in texas]

101. To my unemployed daughter

so she won't lose her home. And extra money doesn't come easy to me, I am 74 years old getting by on social security plus selling on my websites and on Ebay to bring in extra money. I used to always do the angel tree at the mall and donate to the Salvation Army. I do not have the money this year for anything other than helping my daughter. Hoping she can find a job soon.

[RBInMaine]

105. THANKS SO MUCH. I hope your daughter gets a new job soon.

[XemaSab]

102. Adopt-a-Family

MP3 player
Headphones
Baby toys
Gift cards
"Goodnight Moon"
Hair chalk
Nail polish
Baby clothes
Art supplies
Football
Food