Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Gifts for Those who Really Need Them

 

Catholic Charities U.S.A. - Poverty in America

 "Together we are dedicated to creating a life of opportunity and self-sufficiency for each of the 46 million of our brothers and sisters who live in poverty."

This is the page for donations, by credit card, cash or check.

Donate to Catholic Charities USA today and help improve the lives of 45 million Americans living in poverty.
Call to Give:
1-800-919-9338
Mail a Check:
Catholic Charities USA
P.O. Box 17066
Baltimore, MD
21297-1066

This page is for donating in other ways:  Stocks, bonds, corporate matches, vehicles and so forth. . .

 

Catholic Relief Services




Use this page to donate $30 for a mom's complete prenatal care throughout. 

Here is a link to an article in Consumer Reports, about evaluating charities before donating.





 Food for the Poor





"Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, feeds millions of hungry people throughout the countries we serve."

This page begins the list of the lowest-cost donations.

By donating even $14.60 to Food for the Poor, you can feed a family for a month.

For even less ($10) you can donate:

  • A soccer ball for kids in an orphanage; 
  • An avocado, mango or breadfruit tree; 
  • A pair of agricultural work boots.

  • ~~~~~~~~~~~~
 "Soccer breaks down barriers and gives children a healthy outlet. Your gift of a soccer ball will ensure orphaned children can play, have fun and get plenty of exercise."
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Paradise Grove Avocados
"Your gift of fruit-bearing trees will provide hungry families with a nutritious and sustainable source of food and additional income. Avocado, breadfruit and mango trees not only provide healthy food; these trees also offer welcome shade, help combat deforestation and yield fruit which may be sold in the village." 
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"By supplying a set of agricultural work boots, you help a farmer in his trade and
provide the necessary protective footwear. Your gift to help a hardworking farmer will help produce a healthy harvest."

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Almost anybody (even some homeless people) can afford to give $10.


And, they have free (e or 3D) cards that you can use to present to the recipients in whose name you have donated.

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Oops! Not to forget our beloved non-human companions:

My personal favorite is Alley Cat Allies, which has a wonderful Trap - Neuter - Release program.

"To transform and develop communities to protect and improve the lives of cats. Alley Cat Allies is an advocacy group that is dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of all cats, including feral cats which they help out through their innovative Trap-Neuter-Release program."

But, here is a page with many other pet charities.

http://www.entirelypets.com/top-pet-charities.html#alleycat


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And Now, a Few Words from an Old London Friend


~*~ "A great many back-payments are included in it, I assure you." ~*~ 

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``I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future!'' Scrooge repeated, as he scrambled out of bed. ``The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. Oh Jacob Marley! Heaven, and the Christmas Time be praised for this! I say it on my knees, old Jacob; on my knees!''

. . . 

He had not gone far, when coming on towards him he beheld the portly gentleman, who had walked into his counting-house the day before, and said, ``Scrooge and Marley's, I believe?'' It sent a pang across his heart to think how this old gentleman would look upon him when they met; but he knew what path lay straight before him, and he took it.

``My dear sir,'' said Scrooge, quickening his pace, and taking the old gentleman by both his hands. ``How do you do? I hope you succeeded yesterday. It was very kind of you. A merry Christmas to you, sir!''

``Mr Scrooge?''

``Yes,'' said Scrooge. ``That is my name, and I fear it may not be pleasant to you. Allow me to ask your pardon. And will you have the goodness --'' here Scrooge whispered in his ear.

``Lord bless me!'' cried the gentleman, as if his breath were gone. ``My dear Mr Scrooge, are you serious?''

``If you please,'' said Scrooge. ``Not a farthing less. A great many back-payments are included in it, I assure you. Will you do me that favour?''

``My dear sir,'' said the other, shaking hands with him. ``I don't know what to say to such munificence‐''

``don't say anything, please,'' retorted Scrooge. ``Come and see me. Will you come and see me?''

. . .

Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; for he was wise enough to know that nothing ever happened on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the outset; and knowing that such as these would be blind anyway, he thought it quite as well that they should wrinkle up their eyes in grins, as have the malady in less attractive forms. His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him. 



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Here is a little article I wrote about how I first "met" Ebenezer.












I have no idea --- except what the title tells me --- what that is about, but I like it, and hope to read more of that website. I'm including it here for those who may feel the same. (Also, as a small token of gratitude for the graphic that I used.)




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