Gift Alternatives

Gift Alternatives
Jesus would approve.

We often buy gifts for people who are not in any real need of material things. Our love for that person though, needs to be expressed in some way. We can write a poem, draw a picture, or give a simple gift we've made. Here are some creative ideas that can help bring about the justice and peace Jesus lived and died for ...

We might ask ourselves the question, "What would Jesus do?" What ways would Jesus encourage us to celebrate his birthday? He gave everything he had to those in need. He lived and died for the poor and the powerless. He called his disciples to express their gratitude for what they'd received by sharing what they had wtih others. So I've supplied a variety of links consistent with the kind of life Jesus lived. We can make a donation in the name of a person we'd ordinarily buy a gift for. In most cases, the group will even send a gift card. Many of us receive money for Christmas and Birthdays as well. We might see fit to use some of the money we receive for Christmas to make a donation. Here are a few links ...

The Heifer Project
Give the gift of a heifer, water buffalo, llama, goat, sheep, pig, trees, rabbits, bees, chicks, ducks or geese. Your donation will give such a gift to a needy family. A cow will provide milk for the need of the family, and the extra milk can be sold to help with education expenses, etc. Each family that receives such a gift also promises the first born offspring to another needy family in their area. That family promises the same, so the gift goes on giving! For a larger gift, an "Ark," thirty families will be helped. For a smaller gift, you could join with others to make your gift of an animal or some trees! The Heifer Project will send a free gift card in your name as well!

Bread for the World
Bread for the World is a nationwide Christian movement that seeks justice for the worlds hungry people by lobbying our nation's decision-makers. Stop at their Web Site for more information. Why not give the gift of a membership? Student, Individual, Family and a variety of other memberships are available.

Birthright
Birthright provides caring, non-judgmental support to girls and women who are distressed by an unplanned pregnancy. Using our own resources and those of the community, Birthright provides positive and loving alternatives to abortion. Birthright provides many services, including friendship and emotional support, free pregnancy tests, legal, medical, and financial assistance, assistance with housing, referral to social agencies, and maternity and baby clothes. Birthright treats each woman as an individual who deserves kindness and respect, as well as personal attention to her unique situation. And all Birthright services are free, absolutely confidential, and available to any woman regardless of age, race, creed, economic or marital status. You may wish to donate to Birthright International, or to a center near you. The Web Site above will help you find the center nearest you. Don't you think a donation would be a Christmas gift Jesus would approve of

Catholic Relief Services
Why not help the victims of Hurricane Mitch. In over 80 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) serves the poor by providing emergency and long-term assistance based on need, not creed, race or nationality. CRS has earned its strong reputation for monitoring the human condition and working with the poor to identify and implement solutions that work. CRS staff brings knowledge and expertise from a variety of development experiences to their work. And CRS works to strict standards of efficiency and accountability, with over 90% of support going directly to programs in the field. Where there is hardship in the world, Catholic Relief Services is there. You can make a donation to help the victims of a particular disaster as well.

Food Pantries and Local Charities
There are many other wonderful charities as well. Perhaps you could contribute to an effort sponsored by your own Church, or the food pantry, home for unwed mothers or other worthy cause in your own area. It's always good to ask, "What would Jesus do?" He'd help. We can, too!