| It’s a common sentiment for many people that the spirit of Christmas is lost in the bargain-hunting, trend-seeking gift buying experience that has become the tradition of the modern holidays. All it takes is a glimpse at the crowd spending the night outside a department store a day or two before the release of the latest videogame console (such as was the case three times in November), and it’s clear why so many people are disenchanted with Christmas.
If you’re looking for an original way to acknowledge someone special during the holidays, consider giving them the “gift of charity” — making a contribution in their name to their favorite nonprofit organization. Many of these nonprofits welcome such contributions, and have a system in place for sending the recipient an acknowledgment or thank-you note.
“For us, December is the time of year when we see more fire clients,” says Janet Heath, West Sound area manager for Red Cross. “We respond to many local disasters and we see more of them this time of year. It’s also very difficult to find homes now because cost of housing is higher.”
Heath says a great charitable gift is taking a class such as CPR or first aid. The Red Cross classes are taught by volunteers, so the money goes back into the community. Parents and grandparents can also gift teens gift certificates for safe sitter classes. Direct contributions on behalf of someone else are welcome — and the person in whose name the gift is made receives a card.
Other gift ideas from Red Cross for the person who has everything: disaster kits. Start with a basic kit from Red Cross ($54-$165) that includes emergency drinking water, flash lights, hand warmers, personal hygiene items and other basics, and personalize it to the individual by adding your own items. For example, add a favorite book or a game for a child, favorite food bars etc. (call 360-377-3761 for details).
“We, like other charities, receive a large number of contributions at the end of the year,” says Kate Kuhlman, director of outreach and development for the Great Peninsula Conservancy, based in Bremerton (360-373-3500). “In the last few years, because of fluctuations in the stock market, all charities have seen a reduction in gifts, but in general it seems to be a more positive year.”
The Great Peninsula Conservancy, which is a nonprofit land trust, is set up to accept gifts of stock, securities, land and trust funds. Like many other local organizations, it is also part of the matching gift and payroll contribution programs that various companies participate in.
One great idea from the Great Peninsula Conservancy is a gift annual membership — $35 per person and $50 per family. The organization receives gifts in the honor of other people for different occasions, including birthdays and memorials, so Kuhlman suggests including the name of the person as well as the occasion.
For another original gift, you can turn to the Kitsap affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, which builds affordable houses for people in need. Lori Oberlander, executive director of the nonprofit, says sometime people will donate a “window” or some other “part” of the house — an exact cash amount to cover that expense, that is (call 360-479-3853 to find out more). “At Christmas, we send special cards to people that say a gift was made in their honor,” she says.
If you prefer something charitable but more tangible, keep an eye out for businesses that donate proceeds from miscellaneous sales to charities, or for charities that sell gifts as fund-raisers. For example, LaLa Land Chocolates in the Kitsap Mall sells a special candy bar that benefits a different charity every month — what better way to indulge while knowing all the proceeds go to a good cause.
The important rule about charitable giving is the same as for any gift shopping: Give with the recipient in mind. Select a nonprofit the person is interested in, or a group that has a worthy cause your recipient supports. This is truly a gift that will bring double enjoyment, both to you and your recipient. | 