We don't want to be thought of as Grinch-like this holiday season, but we have noticed a trend in some social circles where "no gifts please" is prominently posted on invitations and cards. Apparently, some children have so many toys and everything they can possibly want that too much of a good thing has turned into clutter and junk.
Well, rather than come empty handed, you can give a gift that provides meaning and possibly the means to a living, by buying cows, sheep, chicks, and other nice critters for families in impoverished areas to give them food and become self reliant.
Heifer International is an organization dedicated to helping people obtain a sustainable source of food and income. And they have a very powerful online gift catalog where you can buy all kinds of livestock to benefit those who need it most.
Re-gifting at Heifer is actually something expected. Your gift truly does keep giving. The offspring of the animal(s) you give, are in turn given to others in need.
Heifer has projects all over the world, including several In the United States. They are well respected and have won several humanitarian awards, as well as earning a respectable 20.7% return on their endowment.
After you select your gift, you can send a nice email card, or print a card with an insert to give so you can show up with something after all but not feel guilty about it.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-07-2007 @ 5:51AM
Matt Petty said...
In the UK, charity organisation Oxfam does the same kind of thing. You can buy tools, kits to build toilets, or a goat.
http://www.oxfamunwrapped.com/
Reply
12-07-2007 @ 9:53AM
David Grant said...
I've been sending Heifer gifts to my family for years. Heifer is a fantastic concept and the family appreciates that everyone wins with a gift in their name to Heifer.
Reply
12-07-2007 @ 10:58AM
GabrielZ said...
I'm with David on this one. I have also given Heifer gifts for a few years running and they are a wonderful organization. We started a tradition this year of buying an animal in our daughter's name (she's just seven weeks old) and think it's a great way to introduce her to global issues such as poverty and sustainability. And kids love animals, after all.
Reply