Holiday Giving

What's your favorite charity? We all have something that tugs at our heart. It might be the homeless; child abuse or stray animals. As a retiree, you may not have a lot of money to donate, but consider giving your time especially around the holiday season. There are so many ways that we retirees can help out during the holidays -- knitting a blanket for a poor newborn; serving food at a Rescue Mission; inviting a needy family into our homes for a holiday dinner; contacting your local Ronald McDonald Home and hosting a family; or volunteering at your local VA Hospital and comforting soldiers who might be far away from their families during the holidays.

Let's face it, with the way our economy has suffered this year, it's going to be a very tough holiday season for many families who are facing unexpected major medical bills; have lost their jobs; or their homes in foreclosure. If you have the time or a little extra money to help out during this holiday season, but don't have a favorite charity, then I'd love for you to consider your local chapter of the Make A Wish Foundation which fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions; the Adoption Exchange which provides Christmas Stockings to teenagers in foster homes; or a homeless shelter for families. Do what you can -- it's so rewarding and will bring newfound joy to your holiday season. Curious about the ribbon colors? You all know the Pink Ribbon above represents Breast Cancer. Check out the others at http://www.craftsnscraps.com/jewelry/ribbons.html