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A season for giving

So every year Lucas' school has a "giving tree" where they put up a Christmas tree with ornaments and each ornament is a "wish item" from a needy family/child. You could select an ornament and provide the item for the family. We selected one this year (again). I remember last year thinking that I wanted to include a note apologizing that they got us. This year, I felt no different. You'd think that having had one year to sort this out in my head I'd be better about what I give and to whom. Why the turmoil you ask?

Here's the story. When I look at the gifts that other people have given, the wrapping alone is sooo fabulous that I can only imagine what is inside (and no...the wrapping is unlikely to be the only fantastic thing about the gift). We only have so much charity funds to give out and sometimes I wonder if we didn't select an ornament, would someone else have selected it? And given something better? Every year I agonize about this choice, should we choose just one or two charities and give more to those? Perhaps sponsor/support a family? That way we can make a more meaningful impact with the funds we do have, and in the process give Lucas a life lesson that the other small gifts do not? Maybe even donate our time? This I will try to do regardless.

I fully intended to go narrow and deep this year, but I just got sucked into $20 here and there..scaling back on larger gifts, and I wonder if giving a little to many is better than giving a lot to a few.

For all those readers who happen to read this post, I would really like to hear some different views on this. So be brave, face the inconvenience of doing what you need to to comment - I for one am desperately awaiting your thoughts.

p.s Just so you know, this is above and beyond all the other stuff that we choose to donate. I feel the need to defend my charity decisions.....sorry.

Comments

Jannie Funster said…
In the December Austin Parentwise, I read a very helpful article on this subject and you might want to consider ilivehereigivhere.org, for giving locally.

And giving is in the heart of course, does not always have to mean money given.
Austin Trini said…
Jannie, thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it. Luckily I was able to download a copy of the Dec Parentwise.

For anyone else interested, there was a typo in the link Jannie provided - missing one e, which you may have guessed.
ilivehereigivehere.org is the correct link.
Miryum said…
on the q of give a little to many vs alot to few, i say mix it up. one year do one, the next year/occasion do the other. that way u dont have to ask yourself a question with no answer.

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