Give to Those Who Truly Need

Christmas is just a few days away, and you may be struggling with gift ideas for people who seem to have absolutely everything. Or others who are trying to downsize and declutter and have come right out and said they don’t want or need a thing.Have no fear.

Plenty of people in this world do have needs. And you can pair a gift for someone in true need with a gift for someone who has it all.

Very simply, give a gift to a needy person through a credible organization, and give it in the name of the hard-to-buy-for person on your gift list. The possibilities are endless – just get a little creative and compassionate.

Local gift ideas
In your own area, need isn’t very far away. You can take winter coats (new or gently used), new underwear and socks, new shoes, new toiletries or new toys to a local homeless shelter or Salvation Army. Many churches collect donations for the needy at this time of year. And don’t forget about donating canned foods to local food pantries, soup kitchens, or local charities.

Better yet, you can donate your time. And don’t worry that Christmas is almost here. People are in need year-round, and charitable organization could use volunteers in every season.

International gift ideas
If you’d like to broaden your scope, look outside your neighborhood. Internationally, there are plenty of giving opportunities, depending on your interests.

From sponsoring children in need to rescuing women out of sexual slavery, you can greatly help others through reputable organizations like Compassion International, Hope Builders International, or She Is Safe.

Or, choose unique gifts through Samaritan’s Purse or World Vision. Your gift choice can be a topic of conversation at any Christmas party – what if you could give a goat and two chickens to a needy family halfway around the world?  Or enough seeds for a garden? I know I would be pretty excited to know that my gift was helping an impoverished child learn how to read or write.

At the risk of spoiling some surprises for my family later this week, I’m pretty excited to give ducks and fruit trees as presents. (“On the first day of Christmas, Hilary gave to me … a duck and a mango tree!”)

Because international gifts can be purchased online, you still have plenty of time to shop for thoughtful – and extremely helpful – gifts.

Talk back
What are some of your favorite ways to support local and international charities?

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