My daughter, Savannah (aka Hates Everything) started this campaign for her sister-partner-in-crime-BFF-for-life, Amanda. This sweet girl has life changing injuries and now has needs one can hardly imagine.
She's tough, she's brave, she is a fighter and she will win this battle! Love ya 'manda! Keep the faith!
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Really... I don't want or need anything for Christmas. (Unless it's wine.) And neither probably do you. So instead of scoring the mother of all deals on another electronic during the Christmas shopping rat race or pouring hundreds of dollars down the drain for the latest, greatest toy, consider giving at least a few of those dollars to a worthwhile cause.
The following charities listed below (with links) are some of my faves that I support on a regular basis and they would all benefit from your generosity.
Hope for Paws:
I personally tried to adopt a darling little Chihuahua but because I don't live in southern Cal, was not able to do so. That little policy saved Elvis and Gracie from needing their own therapy dogs and kept The Big Guy and I on speaking terms.
Hope for Paws is a non-profit animal rescue organization, based in LA. They rescue dogs (and other animals) who are suffering on the streets and in the shelters. These wonderful rescuers foster the animals in their homes until they can find them permanent, loving families.
Their goal is to educate people on the importance of companion animals in our society and to stop the cycle of animal neglect and abuse. They do incredible work and I give them a few kibbles each month.
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| My own spoiled rotten pups. Gracie is giving her best "poor me" look. Elvis...he's just cool! |
St. Jude Children's Hospital:
If you know a kid, have a kid, want a kid or ever were a kid, you should be emptying your piggy bank each month to donate to this wonderful organization. STAT!
St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
As soon as I had kids of my own I understood how important the work of St. Jude is and I have been a supporter for the past 30 years. If you don't know who St. Jude's is you have, a) been living on another planet, or b) are a moron.
The Dog and Cat Shelter (of Sheridan Co.)
I may be a teensy bit partial to this Shelter since my very own ELVIS PARSLEY was Mr. March 2009. (I have been accused of "buying votes" but prove it, just prove it.)
Their mission is to provide a shelter where unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats can be humanely housed until adopted to qualified homes. The shelter also cares for lost animals until they are reclaimed by their owners. Their goals are to reduce the number of unwanted companion animals. They work tirelessly so give your money to them...they will truly appreciate it!
A couple of my other favorite charities are:
The Montanta Rescue Mission:
I do know first hand how worthwhile the Montana Rescue Mission is and I'll admit I am not as loyal to this charity as I should be. My soft spot for animals probably gets in the way.
You see, back in the 1990's when I lived in Montana and my own kids were under the age of 10 and were not yet complete little shits, it broke my heart to see some of these families so desperate for anything. I saved up all year and at Christmas took all the kids from the MRM (about 25-30) to Target to shop for a new coat and winter clothes. It was a priceless lesson that I got way more out of than I gave.
What I learned is that the people at the MRM are truly folks in need. They are NOT the losers who don't want to work and who want a hand out. They are decent people who are down on their luck and who need a hand up.
If you are looking for something (fairly) local this is a good one. For only $2.05 you can buy Christmas dinner for one of the homeless. I am now officially kicking myself in the butt for not giving more. I'm pledging...that will change.
Cal Farley's:
Cal Farley's is one of the nation's largest privately funded child and family service organizations, with an equine based program.
Their mission is to provide professional programs and services in a Christ-centered atmosphere to strengthen families and support the overall development of children.
For more than 75 years they have worked to meet the needs of children and families...at NO COST to the people they serve and WITHOUT seeking state or federal funds.
Many of their programs are "boy and equine" based, with young men and horses growing, learning and teaching together.
My few extra bucks goes here and it makes my heart feel good in all the right places. Check it out.
Just kidding! I donate hundreds of dollars each year to this cause. Not kidding. This one is for my own enjoyment and enlightenment and where you should go if you are insistent on buying me a Christmas gift or want to fill my *coughbullshitcough* "Library Card".
So there you have it. Now instead of spending your money on useless, silly, and unneeded gifts that will end up being re-gifted, unwanted, or unused do something that matters. Something that makes a difference in someone's life.
Celebrate our Lord and Savior's birth by giving from your heart. If you can't give from your heart. Give wine. Wine is good. Wine is Godly.
Live, laugh and love...
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated…I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by [people] from the cruelty of [human kind]”—Mahatma Gandhi
