So we’ve probably all been there. “Does my brother really need another video game? Does she really need that sweater? Will she even like it?” While it’s possible to buy gifts as an expression of love, it’s debatable that they really need that book they won’t read, the stocking stuffers, etc.
If you’re looking for gifts that will make a difference instead of gifting something someone doesn’t need, here are three of the many organizations helping those in need through Christmas gifts.
Love In Action (The Salvation Army)
LOVE IN ACTION is an opportunity for you to show the love of Christ and minister to those in need overseas. Their objective is to serve God’s children and provide assistance where it is needed most. You can buy a school uniform for children in Africa, HIV/AIDS Support for suffering mothers, farm animals for families in need or even food for hungry children. Gifts range from $15.00-$50.00. Given how much we can spend on one person, this gifts are very reasonably priced!
For more information, and to buy gifts, go to LOVE IN ACTION’s website.
The Good Shoe Project and Hearts For Hearts Girl Dolls (World Vision)
(adapted from World Vision’s website.)
Hearts for Hearts Girls dolls are a new line of internationally-themed dolls from Playmates Toys. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each doll will go to World Vision’s work to build a better world for children in those countries.
The Good Shoe Project – Now at Payless shoes, whenever a customer buys the exclusive Airwalk Hope shoe at between now and February 14, 2011, Payless will give a free pair of children’s shoes to a Central American child through World Vision. How awesome is that?
For more information, check out World Vision’s website.
Charity Water (charitywater.org)
“Charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations.”
They have tons of ways that you can help bring that gift to someone who needs it. Check out their Christmas section of their site at http://mycharitywater.org/holidays
RethinkingChristmas.org (aka Advent Conspiracy)
RethinkingChristmas.org literally has tons of ideas for alternative Christmas ideas. Some are gifts that go to help others around the globe (like LifeWater), and others are just ideas on simple homemade gifts, like a tie bracelet.
Check out the pages of ideas at Rethinkingchristmas.com.
(photo from jimmiehomeschoolmom)