The Gift of Charitable Giving

With so much commercialized hoopla this time of the year, many are becoming disenchanted with the holiday season. I, personally find it disgusting to go into a store and hear "Silent Night" being played to entice shoppers. It is unfortunate that so many only think about giving and charity during the holidays. It needs to be thought of throughout the year. However, more and more people are giving to others in the form of nonmaterial items. Choose a nonprofit organization or charity that fits your recipient's belief system and make a donation in their name. By making a donation to a charity of choice, many can benefit. Your charitable giving can immensely benefit:

· The nonprofit organization or charity. Each nonprofit organization has a mission and your gift donation will help them accomplish that. It goes without saying that the more funds a nonprofit has, the more individuals or causes it can help.

· The end users. These are the affected individuals associated with the charity. The nonprofit will use your donation to help those who need it the most.

· Time. Your charitable giving will last longer than one day. It will be used throughout the year.

· Your tax return. Charitable giving can be tax deductible to you. This is not the main reason for making a donation, though.

· Your recipient's spirit. Unless your recipient is totally selfish (and..why are you hanging out with them?), they will enjoy knowing that they are helping someone or something in need.

So, which nonprofit do you make a donation in the name of your recipient to? If you have an idea of what your recipient will like, but are uncertain of which specific nonprofit to donate to, go to a bookstore. Or, go to the library. There are books specifically featuring nonprofits and what they are involved in. Read about what individual charities are about, and then contact them. Other ways to obtain information include newspapers, TV, radio, and the Internet. Check around.

Here are some suggestions you may wish to follow (this list is by far not all-inclusive). Your charitable giving will go a long way with any of these nonprofits:

Medical: Make A Wish Foundation. Help medically challenged kids enjoy life for awhile. Many of them know nothing other than doctors and hospitals. By donating to Make A Wish, the administrative office will help fulfill their children's wishes.

Your local hospital foundation. By making a gift to your local hospital foundation, they can help develop new treatments, provide more services, etc.

Charities for causes: Breast cancer funds, diabetes funds, and Alzheimer's funds...you get the idea. Find an interest and donate. You know your funds will be used well while conducting research.

Housing: Habitat for Humanity. Buy a window, a door, the electrical system, etc. A donor can purchase any item that goes into the building of a house. This donation helps Habitat save money. With your charitable donation gift, they do not have to spend their own money to purchase the items. Nice. Plus, your recipient may have a plaque with their name on it, in some cases. Check with your local Habitat office.

Katrina Fund. Help rebuild the devastated area by donating to your preferred nonprofit involved in that project.

Sustenance. There are nonprofit agencies that use money to buy animals for third world residents. By doing this, residents can provide more for themselves. Check the Ellen.com site for more information, since this was mentioned on her show recently.

Of course, you can donate to the United Way. They provide service to a variety of nonprofits. They will take your charitable giving and use it to the best advantage.

You always hear about how to enjoy the gift of giving. Well, it is true. What goes around comes around, my friend. Give to others for no reason other than wanting to. A simple smile in return is the best gift you can receive.