Minus the snow of course *knock wood*

I know it’s early – but then again, it’s never to early to put your Christmas wish list out there for friends and family to view.

As we get closer to Christmas and the economy seems to be balanced on a knife’s edge, I’d like to suggest that people consider downsizing their own collection of Christmas presents under the tree and consider donating some of the money they would spend on gifts to charity. While charity is a great idea all year long, it is at times like these where we need to do more for those less fortunate.

With so many worthy causes out there it can be difficult to choose who to donate to. If you want to make an immediate impact to those in your own community, consider donating food or $$ to your local food banks, the Salvation Army (or it’s local equivalent in your area), local homeless shelters, or soup kitchens.

If you’d like to make a wider impact on the world, consider donating to one of the many charities I have listed on my left sidebar under the title Wearing a Coat of Brown. For those of you not of the Browncoat persuasion (can it be possible?), Browncoats are a dedicated group of worldwide Firefly/Serenity fans who’s main distinction in the world of TV fandom is that they fund-raise and donate money to a number of different charities. Two of the most popular charities for Browncoats are Kids Need To Read (Nathan Fillion and PJ Haarsma are co-founders) and Equality Now.

Kids Need To Read purchases books to donate to libraries so children have access to books to spark their interest in reading a continue the development of their imaginations.

Equality Now works to end violence and discrimination against women and girls around the world through the mobilization of public pressure.

Looking for something different?  World Vision and Heifer International both offer alternate gift giving.  Purchase school supplies, chickens, goats, etc. for families in developing countries. These gifts offer meaningful ways to make a difference in the daily lives of others.

Interested in Supporting Canadian Troops, both current serving members and our veterans?  Visit your local Legion and make a donation or consider donating to the Sapper Mike McTeague Wounded Warrior Fund or Boomer’s Legacy.

Have an ill family member?  Consider donating to a charity that supports research or services provided to those sharing the same disease.  Having lost my father to cancer in 2006 the Canadian Cancer Society is a pretty popular choice in my family.

Want to kill two birds with one stone?  Need something under your tree but want to do good?  Consider purchasing something from the Kids Need to Read Christmas Store on eBay.  Goodies for you and books for children.  What an awesome combination.

Don’t forget many charities allow you to make your donation in someone else’s name.  Your gift to them could be a tax receipt for your charitable donation.  So many people can benefit from small acts on your part. Do something different this year.  Place fewer gifts under your own trees and add gifts to the lives of others.

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