Christmas Gift Ideas
Wondering what gifts to give?
by Kevin D. Hendricks

With only so many days left until Christmas, the malls are full of shoppers whipped into a commercial frenzy. Maneuvering for a parking spot can really bring out the Grinch in everyone, and the lines, well, we don't want to talk about the lines.

So what are you buying everyone on your list this year? Are you putting the decision off and hoping inspiration strikes? Considering a bit of He-Man or G.I. Joe nostalgia, but questioning the practicality? Thinking of some subtle spiritual hinting about someone's favorite band or TV show? Or maybe just a board game, or the old stand-bye, a kitchen appliance?

While you're stuck in line wondering if that's really the right gift, maybe you should consider a charity. Dropping your change in the Salvation Army buckets is always nice, but we can always do a little more. As you're giving this year, consider these charities. You could make it a gift in someone else's name, or simply add the charity to your list along with Uncle Milton and Aunt Ethel.

	Ten Thousand Villages This non-profit, fair-trade organization run by the Mennonite Central Committee sells crafts from artisans in developing countries, allowing you to lend economic support and help a sustainable business venture, not just give aid. They have shops located across the country but, unfortunately, do not offer online purchasing.
	Heifer Project International In one "Seinfeld" episode, a charitable donation was made in George Castanza's name. He wasn't exactly thrilled with the gesture. The Heifer Project International is hoping most people aren't like Castanza. For $500 you can donate a cow in someone's name to a family that desperately needs the animal. A llama costs only $150, rabbits for $60, and chicks for $20 (you can also donate a portion of what it would cost to buy the animal). Or if you are like Castanza, just add the Heifer Project to your gift list right under Uncle Milton, and forget giving in someone's name.
	Net Aid This organization utilizes the power of the Internet to bring other's needs and your dollars together. They offer a number of specific programs, targeted at specific needs, with specific budgets and dollar amounts needed. You know exactly where your money is going, how it will be used, and who it will help. Pick a cause and donate accordingly.
	Operation Christmas Child For some children in the world, Christmas has nothing to do with gifts and toys. Operation Christmas Child seeks to give these children a gift of hope. Participants donate a shoe box filled with gifts, anything from a toothbrush and crayons, to socks and a yo-yo, and Operation Christmas Child distributes the boxes to children in need around the world. The only cost is filling a shoe box and $5 in postage.
	2002 Christmas Gift Catalog Help the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association share the greatest gift of all. You can donate any amount you want to specific projects designed to spread the Gospel. The projects include Braille materials for the blind, purchasing air-time for TV shows in foreign countries, and distributing CD-ROMs with the Gospel message to teens.
	One Life Revolution "Today, this very day, 5,500 Africans will die of AIDS," said Bono in a videotaped public service announcement aired at Christian festivals this summer. "If this isn't an emergency, what is? We're supposed to love our neighbor. ... Well, we're not. We really are not." One Life Revolution offers targeted projects to help fight HIV/AIDS and bring hope to a dying continent.