Last week I challenged you to move away from the "materialistic focus" of gift-giving to a "love focus" with clutter-free gift giving. Clutter-free gift (CFGs) giving is the act of gifting items that do not add more stuff (often unneeded) to the recipient's' homes
Many CFGs also let the person know you were truly thinking about their likes, passions and interests.
I offered these 5 areas to think about: Experiences, Donations, Consumables, Time and Expressions of your love and gratitude.
Moving down the list, today I will sharing ideas about clutter-free gift ideas in the area of donations. Make a donation in a loved one's name or memory. Also, think about giving for the benefit of others who don't even know you.
Local Food Pantries. Many households use the help of food pantries to provide meals for their families. Food pantries are reporting low supplies, especially at this time of the year.
Sponsor a Family. Is there a family who could use extra help this year making ends meet? Check with your local churches or agencies for ideas.
Cancer Research. Has a family member or friend been affected by an illness or cancer? Make a donation in their honor or in memory of a loved one.
International Groups. There are so many non-profit organizations that reach people around the globe that are truly in need of the basic life necessities, such as clean water, food, shelter, medicine, clothing, and education. Here are just a few examples:
Local Organizations. Don't forget about those non-profit programs that make a difference in your community, too. Here are some quick ideas:
- Library (public and school)
- Boys and Girl's Clubs
- Women's Shelters
- Soup Kitchens
- Hospice
15 comments:
In the past we've adopted a family or two to help out during the holiday season. It feels so good to help others out. We should actually do it more often THROUGHOUT the year.
Those are some really great ideas! I'm all for clutter-free!!!
Great ideas!
I love gifts that won't add to the existing clutter in my home.
:)
These are all such wonderful ideas. Someone once gave a goat in my honor to Heifer. I don't know when I have been more touched.
Great blog.
That's what we do too....last year I gathere 2nd hand books here in Singapore and have sent it to the school we have adopted and the joy that you see in their faces is just priceless.
This year we are adopting some unfortunate families too.
Love these ideas!
And love your blog, because I definitely need all the help I can get when it comes to staying organized, LOL! :)
I like this idea of clutter-free gift giving.
Ooh, what a good idea! I love the Boys & Girls club here locally.
I just got my Heifer catalog today. Those are the best gifts to give especially to family who live far away. No need to worry about wrapping and shipping too!
These are some great ideas! Our school is making a big donation to a local food pantry this month!
As a sibling and parent through adoption I wonder if you would consider changing your wording from 'adopt a family' to 'sponsor a family'?
While it is wonderful to support and help a family at any time, it is not the same as lifelong relationship with a family member.
Oh yes, thank you for your thoughts on this. I see what you mean.
I'm all about giving "love" gifts instead of material gifts. We've just started doing that with my monkey's birthdays.
The webpage for Food for the Poor cannot be found. Try foodforthepoor.org...
Thanks! made the change
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