Give A Little Bit

Between holiday parties, concerts, gift buying-and-receiving, travel, and trying to somehow keep it all together during the holidays, it becomes very easy to lose sight of what this time of year is supposed to be about.  The other day one of my friends told me she is a Scrooge because she hates how everyone gets so greedy around this time of year and that it stresses her out to see her older siblings trying so hard to please their kids with the perfect presents.   Since I am a very jolly, holiday-loving cheeseball, I showed her the Olive Elf light via hot caramel apple cider, my sparkly Christmas tree and the Christmas station on Pandora.  She begrudgingly agreed that maybe the holidays can be fun.

But she brought up a good point.  The holidays are supposed to be a break from work and school to spend time with friends and family.  It's about love and appreciating all of the good things that have happened to you this year, and sharing that with others - you don't have to be rich to think positive and you don't have to actually believe in Christmas to appreciate the spirit of the season.  

So although I love fashion and everything that goes along with it, since I blog about that all year long I've decided to change it up for the holidays.  Don't worry, there are still plenty of amazing gift guides out there - Cupcakes & Cashmere and The Magpie Girl are two of my favorites -  but I've scraped my own gift guides that I had planned for the rest of this week and put together a different type of list.  One that will bring truly Happy Holidays to people that maybe haven't had as good of year as us.  The organizations on this list help the less fortunate and while you can give to them on your own, it's also a wonderful idea to make donations in the names' of those on your gift list in order to spread the word about the amazing work that they do.  

OXFAM.  From art supplies and books for children to computer training and farm animals, OXFAM helps children and families all over the world by using your donation to provide them with the tools necessary to survive and thrive despite the poverty and injustice of their circumstances.  There is even a tab on the site that allows you to send a card featuring a photo of your gift on the front when you donate on behalf of someone.  

FINCA.  This microfinance organization provides entrepreneurs in struggling countries with loans to start their own businesses, which allows them to support their families and create jobs in their communities utilizing local crafts and services.  Just reading through the inspiring FINCA Clients section of the site will make even the tiniest of Grinch hearts grow three times their size.  

Toys for Tots. Run by the US Marine Corps Reserve, Toys for Tots was started to "deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens." Bring any new, unwrapped toy to a drop-off box, which can be found throughout any community where a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located from October - December.  You can also donate online.  All of the toys are distributed throughout the U.S. to less fortunate children. 

Adopt-A-Family.  There are many "Adopt-A-Family" programs that can be found throughout the entire U.S. from CCSA in San Diego to Soldier's Angels, which provides lower-enlisted military families with Christmas gifts.  This is a really great idea to do for your office (or any large group of people that you find yourself a part of).  When you sign up, you are provided with a list of things the family needs, the ages and clothing/shoe sizes of everyone in the family.  Post the list up at work and let people volunteer for what they would like to provide for the family.  It's an awesome way to bring friends and co-workers together, not to mention provide a deserving family with a Christmas they'll always remember!  

These are just a few of my favorite charitable organizations, I'm sure there are many more great ones to give to this season out there.  In fact, if you'd like to share please leave a link in the comments or share on Twitter!

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

Image appears courtesy of Dr. Seuss, via ItsBrookeRyan.com, Video appears courtesy of Roger Hodgson via YouTube.