World Vision International 2007 Christmas Catalog

As strains of familiar Christmas carols waft through the air as you shop for that special gift for that loved one or friend, some of the greatest and most meaningful gift ideas may be found in the 2007 Christmas Gift Catalog published by World Vision International. World Vision International is a Christian humanitarian organization that ministers to the international community in need regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or religious affiliation. (For more information, read article entitled "World Vision International: An upstanding Christian Organization" ). World Vision International has an enviable reputation of responsibly handling its contributions with full disclosure of all expenditures and allocation of funds.

In the 2007 World Vision Christmas Gift Catalog, as you leisurely peruse its pages, you will see many unusual yet practical projects to which you can contribute as an individual, family, club, co workers, church organizations as well as other groups. In the gift catalog there are many gift categories from which to select. The categories include health care, education, clean water projects, and HIV prevention and AIDS care to name a few. The World Vision 2007 Christmas Gift Catalog presents over 100 unique gifts. If you desire, you can give year long gifts where you commit to send a monthly sum for a project that may be of interest.

SOME AVAILABLE GIFT CATEGORIES

Farm Animals: Imagine a gift of $25.00 could buy a "share of a bull" to help a community gain self sufficiency through its livestock. A contribution of $715 would purchase one bull that would help the community breed hybrid bulls to produce livestock that would sustain the community. Two sheep, two cows, two goats, two pigs and 20 chickens can be purchased for a $100 contribution to World Vision International's Farm Animals Project. Though an unusual gift in our eyes, goats, alpacas, sheep, pigs and the like would be welcomed by families in lands faraway from our shores.

Clean Water Projects: Water is a precious commodity for us all and is often non-existent in many countries. Imagine not having a safe, drinkable water supply for your family. In many countries, contaminated water causes debilitating diseases. By contributing financially to this project, you enable a community to dig a well to bring health and a safe drinkable water supply to that community. A gift of $50 can supply water treatment tablets to ensure a safe drinking water supply for approximately 250 children. A $75 contribution will provide a "share" towards the $5390 cost of digging a well to supply more than 600 gallons of safe drinking water a day for villagers to use for crop irrigation, bathing and caring for livestock.

HIV Prevention and AIDS Care: Tragically, millions of children in both developing and underdeveloped countries have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. A monetary gift to the HIV prevention and AIDS project helps children to be placed in homes that are structurally sound and not the uninhabitable shacks in which many of the children live. Food, blankets and school supplies can be purchased for these orphans. A $25 contribution will provide a caregiver kit which contains washcloths, antibacterial soap, petroleum jelly and other items to care for those afflicted with AIDS.

U.S. Children in Need: Although World Vision International's reach extends far beyond our shores, the organization has not neglected to provide basics for children in need within our own country. World Vision states that one out of every six children in America lives in poverty, a deplorable statistic! A gift of $25 would increase thirteen fold and provide $325 worth of basic necessities for a child -quite a return on the dollar for such a desperate need. $6000 worth of supplies can be provided with a $500 donation.

American Families Assistance Fund: Working with local churches and faith-based organizations, World Vision International is able to provide assistance for children and families in need in the United States. School supplies, clothing, building materials are but a few of the items that can be purchased through your generous gift.

By giving "shares" or contributing to various projects, we are assisting a village or community to overcome adverse living conditions and elevating that community to a higher standard of living. Giving shares individually or as a group to help finance a project truly exemplifies the true meaning of giving and the blessings that accrue when one gives unselfishly. A click of the mouse or a telephone call, can quickly send your contribution to the project of your choice. Gifts can be given throughout the year, not only during the holiday season, to meet social needs around the world.

For more information, visit the website www.worldvisiongifts.org. To contact World Vision International for additional information, call 1-888-511-6511. So, sit in your favorite easy chair, have a cup of hot chocolate, look through the 2007 World Vision Christmas catalog and give a gift from your heart that offers hope and transforms lives.