'Tis The Season...

Donning my new TOMS, I sauntered out my front door into the crisp cool air that smelled of snow to come and made my nose tingle just slightly. I love the first few days of winter when I can still feel my fingers and toes and a warm scarf is the perfect accessory to keep one toasty. Coffee and hot chocolate are stars during this time of year, and while I don't drink either, I greatly appreciate the atmosphere that surrounds them both. Winter makes me want to snuggle up by the fire (well other people's fires due to the lack of a fireplace at my house) and stay up late having good conversation. Movies and books are always a classic and valid choice when staying warm and listening to the wind whistle.

Appreciation for all things increases with the decrease in temperature. I think it has to do with the fact that you are stuck inside and have to sit still, which causes you to think and once you're thinking, it's only moments before you realize how great life is and how blessed and fortunate we all are! If you are reading this it means you have a computer or at least access to one. As we sit cozily on our couches reading blogs and stalking friends on Facebook, there are thousand of unfortunate people spending their holidays in the bitter cold. There are many levels of need during the giving season. I challenge you to validate the name of this supposedly generous season and donate time or resources to those less fortunate than yourself.

I am a firm believer in non-profit organizations and have listed several organizations that I personally donate to and support.

TOMS Shoes was started when founder Blake Mycoskie discovered a need during a mission trip in 2006 in Argentina. He researched and found that many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. This opens them up for risk of injury, infection and disease. Lack of shoes also prevents children from attending schools which often require shoes as part of their dress codes. Blake created the concept of "One for One" which simply means for every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS Shoes will donate one pair to a child in need. This is the perfect compromise, you can give your loved one a tangible gift while also donating a functional present to a deserving child.

Mocha Club is focused on providing the donors with a hands-on experience in the club's five main focus areas: Clean Water, Education, Child Mothers + Women At Risk, Orphan Care + Vulnerable Children and HIV/AIDS + Healthcare. The name comes from the concept of giving up 2 mochas a month ($7) and instead donating that money to this worthy cause. It is more interactive because you are able to have a team and make a difference with your collective efforts. Then each month they send blogs updates and videos so you can witness your money at work. One of their mottos is, "Africans developing Africa." All of their work done is through indigenous leaders.

Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres) is another organization I support. They are devoted to providing medical aid to those most in need and play the role of advocate for countries in crises that have been neglected. "The vast majority of MSF's aid workers are from the communities where the crises are occurring, with ten percent of teams made up of international staff..." is a quote from their website that summarizes their cause. This organization selects trained medical professionals to assist in giving over 60 countries first-rate medical care during times of violence, epidemics, or catastrophes. I really believe in this cause because they provide quality medical care and a voice to those struggling.

Operation Christmas Child is a branch of Samaritan's Purse and is probably my favorite charitable donation for the holidays. It is very simple. You pick what age child you want to donate to and then you fill a shoe box with fun toys and gifts that they will enjoy. You make as many or as few shoe boxes as you like and when you are finished there are drop off locations throughout the country. I like this one the most because I have made a shoe box every year with my family since I was 5 or 6 years old. It also allows you to donate on a more personal level. Their mission is: To demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to needy children around the world."

I'm not asking you to forgo all Christmas presents, but can you not spare just one? Find a family member or friend and instead of trading gifts, each of you donate to a charity in the other's name. Albert Pine puts it beautifully, "What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." I'll leave you with another quote by Mother Teresa, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one."