Time to give

We are entering the time of year when our generosity increases. Although people really need help year 'round, the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons seem to bring out the giving gene in us even more. So now, I wanted to remind you of a way to give that keeps on giving.

Instead of giving a meal to a family, why not give a means of self-support to a family? Something that continues to give for generations beyond the original gift? What I'm referring to is the Heifer International organization.

These folks help families, both here and in other lands, to build a life for themselves that not only feeds them but provides a sustainable income for them and fellow community members. Giving just a small donation can go a long way toward families and individuals realizing their full potential, empowering women to provide for themselves and their children, and creating a sense of success and accomplishment in the entire community.

I'm sure we've all wondered how to lose belly fat and have probably spent our fair share of money on programs for that. Tighten your belt now and give a little to others who need it.

Instead of receiving a handout, which might come too late for those who are starving, they receive a lifetime of income, food, clothes, and education. The effects of every donation is far reaching. Of all the charitable organizations in the world, this one is the most effective in truly helping people.

Technorati Tags: Heifer International,charity

Heifer tour

One of the places we visited was the Heifer International headquarters. I have to admit, this is one place I was really looking forward to seeing. I've been to the Heifer Ranch, a couple of years ago, and admire the work these folks to do educate people about the importance of a hand up instead of a hand out.

The building the headquarters is in is a great example of judicious use of "green" construction and landscaping. Not only that, but the gift shop sells only items from fair market countries. This means that shopping for holiday gifts will help women, men, and families in their quest to become self-supporting and successful in their endeavors.

We were given a tour by a very gracious lady who eagerly answered our questions and seemed genuinely excited about Heifer.

There is no doubt that I'd be happy working there myself!

Technorati Tags: shopping,gift

Heifer International

Do you see that banner at the top of the page for Heifer? I've put one of them on all my blogs to help promote this very worthy charity. Heifer uses money donated to help people develop a sustainable lifestyle, generate some income, and feed and educate their families.

Heifer gives livestock, honeybees, even ducks to families in areas where they are very poor. They train the people how to raise these animals and care for them. They promise to give the first offspring to another person or family in their village or community, then after that, they continue to raise the animals to use for food, clothing, or marketable items. The second family makes the same promise - to give away the first offspring. You can see how one gift can eventually benefit an entire village.

You can give to Heifer and know you are giving a sustainable lifestyle to someone who is struggling or even starving. Make this the best Christmas ever for someone in need.

Donate your car

Over the years, I've seen many organizations who will accept the donation of a car to help with their charitable work. This is a good idea since many people have vehicles of some kind that they would be willing to donate rather than sell.

Car Angel is one of those organizations, so I want to tell you a little about them. They are a 501c(3) charity organization and ministry. Car Angel accepts Car Donations as well as donations of boats, big trucks, heavy equipment, RVs - basically anything that will run. In fact, even if it won't run, they'll come tow it away for you and give you a receipt so you can deduct the donation from your income taxes.

They use the proceeds from these vehicles to support literacy programs in prisons, providing prisoners with quality motivational books. They also supply funding for preschool and grade school children in poor countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, Mexico and other countries around the world.

Even vehicles from the 70s are accepted, and Car Angel has received donations of used stereo equipment and other non-vehicular items to turn into cash for their ministry. Items such as vehicles, though, are generally not things that your local charity thriftshop can handle, which is what makes this ministry so unique.

Car Angel also helps at-risk youth, the addicted, and the homeless of this country to get a good start and begin a better life. Boat Angel, an extension of this ministry, offers young men a year of Bible-based teaching and a way to step out in their lives in the right direction in this country and has outreach ministries around the globe as well.

If you have a vehicle that you would like to donate, I encourage you to consider this ministry.

Holiday Gift Baskets

While the time is pretty short for ordering Holiday Gift Baskets for Easter, there's still Mother's Day coming along. If you're in the market for a beautiful gift basket for someone you love, GourmetGiftBaskets.com would be a good place to start shopping. But don't limit yourself only to holiday themed baskets. They have a good selection of gourmet gift baskets for other occasions, too.

This is the time of year when there is bound to be a wedding soon. If not that, then possibly a baby shower. You might even consider a gourmet gift basket for your graduate.

The baskets are designed for all occasions and even for men. What man doesn't love to get food for a gift? You can order themed baskets of Italian food, chocolate gift baskets, snacks, and other kinds of baskets. Selection is made easy by browsing the categories for the kind of basket you'd like to send. All elements of the basket are listed, although if they run out of a particular item they have the option of substituting a similar one.

They've been in this business since 1940, so that tells you something about their business integrity.

Big idea for walls

In fact, it's a very big idea. It's a poster that's can be up to 7 feet tall and over 4 feet wide. It’s from Wallhogs. Sound interesting? I think it would be great for a kid’s room or a recreation room if you have one.

What you do is submit a picture that you want blown up and Wallhogs will make your graphic or photo, or any picture you choose, into a giant poster. I can imagine Brandon wanting one of these. What I can’t imagine is having a wall to put it on!

They print on a variety of media including 6 mil graphic vinyl, 10 mil glossy photo base paper, and 20 mil semi-gloss fine art canvas. If you have a lovely photograph of scenery in your area, it can be turned into a wall poster for any room of your house. If you have a picture of your motorcycle or horse or camper, or anything really, it can be a wall poster as well. You can even have a 7 foot tall picture of the love of your life! And you can add speech or thought bubbles to them for added fun.

Can you imagine a huge picture of a pair of eyes in your bathroom, peering at you all the time you’re in there?

Their site lists the file formats (which are easy to use on your computer) and they chart the preferred resolutions. Wallhogs also offers a variety of ways to pay for the wallhog poster, including credit card and PayPal.

If you don’t have a picture you’d like blown up to that size, wallhogs will soon be offering a line of posters you can choose from. The price of the currently available posters depends on the size you order and the type of material it’s printed on.