Charities:Holidays As a Time for Giving Back

We can use holidays as a time for giving back by donating to charities that work with third world nations around the globe. Our world has become a global society in which we are very much aware of the suffering that takes place beyond our nation's borders. The news media keeps us informed about major natural disasters like the Tsunami but also plugs us in to the daily struggle for existence experienced in drought stricken and war ravaged countries. Living in the land of plenty, many of us have the wherewithal to use the holiday as a time for giving back by reaching out possibly through one of these international organizations.

Oxfam America Oxfam America is a non -profit, international relief organization that attempts to accomplish two related purposes. First Oxfam America delivers food, water and medical supplies to disaster stricken and impoverished area. Maintaining life must be the immediate goal of any relief organization. But Oxfam's long term goal is to empower local people and to lead them toward self sufficiency.

Oxfam works in communities in third world nations around the world . It teaches farmers how to work their fields more productively and how to make the best use of available water resources. It provides those who farm for a living with the tools and the seeds they need to be successful in this life supporting work.

Oxfam teaches people how to purify their water supply, improve their nutrition and even create their own cottage industries. Those who want to use the holidays as a time for giving back may want to donate to an international charity like Oxfam America. Contributions can be mailed to Oxfam America, 226 Causeway Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02114-2206 . For additional ways in which you may donate you may also contact Oxfam's website at www.oxfamamerica.org.

American Red Cross You may want to use the holidays as a time to give back to society through the American Red Cross. When we see the American Red Cross working in our own United States it is often at a Blood Drive or in educating through first aid or water safety programs. But the American Red Cross has an International Services Department which works through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent to alleviate human pain, hunger and suffering around the world.

Better known and respected internationally than any other rescue and relief agency the Red Cross is often the first agency on the ground when disaster strikes anywhere in the world. The symbol of the Red Cross ( and Red Crescent) has come to mean hope and survival for millions of needy people worldwide.

During the holidays, we celebrate our family and the joy family life gives us. Perhaps we can also use the holidays as a time to give back to our larger world family through charities like the American Red Cross. Like all charities the American Red Cross relies upon private donations to carry out its mission. Even a small donation can help meet the needs of people who will be spending our holiday season trying to simply survive.

You can make a donation directly to the American Red Cross at P. O. Box 37243, Washington, D. C. 20013 or by contacting their website at www.redcross.org.

Catholic Relief Services In 1943 American Catholic Bishops determined to organize and support a charitable organization which would work to uplift the poor and marginalized throughout the world.. Since that time workers for Catholic Relief Services have attempted to spread charity and justice in 99 foreign countries.

Catholic Relief Services has paid special attention to the needs of the poor regardless of their religious affiliation. Modern day efforts have extended beyond providing food and basic health care. Today's plague in third world nations is AIDS. Catholic Relief Services has targeted AID's and works in many countries in support of clinics treating those suffering from this terminal disease.

Catholic Relief Services depends upon the financial support of men and women who wish to end the suffering of others. Many of its donations come directly from the American Catholic Church community. Other non Catholic supporters are drawn to Catholic Relief Services because of its efficiency and devotion to international justice. You can learn more about Catholic Relief Services through its website at www.crs.org. Perhaps Catholic Relief Services is the Charity for you if you really want to use the holidays as a time to give back.

There are many international organizations which exist to address the needs of the poor around the world. During the holiday season donating to any of these charities can be your way of effectively giving back and making everyone's holiday just a bit brighter, including your own.