Giving Back...

It's the time of year for giving. Whether for Hanukkah or Christmas, most of us agonize over the perfect gift for everyone on our list. Family members, friends, co-workers, loved ones...it's all about shopping and wrapping. But it doesn't have to (and shouldn't) stop there.

I made a trip to the Wilkinson Center here in Dallas last week. Although the purpose of the visit was business, the effect was profoundly personal. I was tangibly and forcefully reminded how lucky I am. My life IS beautiful. There are so many others out there who worry about where their next meal comes from...how they can clothe their families...and how to give their children gifts for the holidays.

It inspired me to go and adopt an angel from the Salvation Army tree at the nearby mall. That's been a family tradition for us for the last several years...but I'd been too busy this year to bother. I'll also be taking a box of clothes to the Wilkinson Center. And making a New Year's resolution to do something charitable every month...whether a donation of cash, food or money. Or even better volunteering.

As you're giving gifts this season, why not have them do double-duty? Here's a list of wonderfully worthy causes that you might make a donation to in your gift recipient's honor. After all, who needs another sweater vest or scented candle?

• Go to www.unicefusa.org/aa and make a donation to support UNICEF's Child Survival Programs. You'll earn two American Airlines AAdvantage miles for every dollar donated.



• America's Second Harvest works with more than 200 local charities and agencies in all 50 states, including many of the major food banks across America. They use your monetary gift to leverage more support than just a donation of canned goods ever could. (And if you live in North Texas as I do, you could support the North Texas Food Bank.)



• To support the food and support needs of people around the world, make a donation to Heifer International. They work to eliminate hunger and poverty by providing animals and training to families in third world countries. For example, $30 provides a Gift of Honeybees. With it, struggling families earn income through the sale of honey, beeswax and pollen. (Plus the bees help to increase the yield of fruit and vegetables in the area.)



• Unfortunately, AIDS and HIV continue to be scourges in countries across the globe, including the United States. Support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS by shopping their online store. That limited-edition snow globe you buy for your daughter's piano teacher helps provide critically needed services to people living with AIDS or other serious illnesses.
  

Regardless of the charity you choose, stretch your gift-giving this year. Use those dollars to help make life more beautiful for others.