Giving Money and Non-Tangible Gifts:
The holidays are full of material gifts—this year, why not give a friend or family member something that will also benefit those in need? One organization that has perfected the art of charitable gifting is World Vision. Working to “fight the root causes of child poverty around the world,” World Vision offers a gift catalog, whose items helped about 500,000 people last year. “We have several different categories—about 100 different ways that people can help—and they can choose anything from a chicken to a water well to a medical clinic and they can donate that in the name of a loved one,” says Devin Hermanson, World Vision gift catalog national director. While these gifts may not appear to be life changing, the effect such items can have is “mindblowing,” Hermanson says. “It’s not an exaggeration to say it can affect generations of people.”
Regardless of which organization you go through, Hermanson says that this year is a critical time to give back. “This is a time when people’s gifts will mean even more because we are in a situation—and I think a lot of charities are in a situation—where kids will be denied services and things they need more than ever,” he says.
In addition to increasing its giving goals (to help 625,000 people this year), World Vision has launched a month-long campaign called The Spirit of Christmas. World Vision will travel the globe, speaking to children about Christmas—what it means to them and what they’d like to receive—and send video footage back to its Facebook page.
To make a purchase from the gift catalog, visit www.worldvision.org.
Other Ways to Give Your Money:
Childhelp: Each purchase from Childhelp’s Gift of Hope catalog (think backpacks full of school supplies or the sponsorship of a child’s birthday party) goes toward abused and neglected children. $25-$5,000.
Habitat for Humanity: A Gift from the Heart from Habitat for Humanity is a tax-deductible way to provide building materials, supplies and support for families in need. $10 minimum. www.habitat.org. Arizona Humane Society: Present an animal lover with a Humane Society Tribute Gift and the money will go toward animals in need of care. $50-$150.
JustGive: The recipient of the GiveNow Card can choose which charity the allotted money goes to. To support a local cause, there’s even a way to select Valley-located charities. www.justgive.org. Ballet Arizona: Each year, Ballet Arizona offers 4,000-plus free performance tickets to disadvantaged families as a part of its Angel Nights program. Dec. 10 features this year’s Nutcracker Angel Night. To sponsor a child to attend the special performance, call 602.343.6520.
