In the spirit of giving...

I was very moved by MarianJacks' post about their Christmas : http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x4716839

I wish I could have given more in various ways this year, but my job is on the chopping block (ends in 3 weeks), and until I have a new paycheck coming in, I have to save as much as I can while I have a paycheck. I fully intend to donate to several places as soon as I can. So, reading about how they chose where to give got me thinking about how interesting it would be to read about others' favorite ways to give. It doesn't have to mean monetarily... volunteer hours are worth a lot too!

In the past, I have done work with Habitat for Humanity and Literacy Advance of Houston. Currently, I volunteer at and donate to Whiskerville Animal Sanctuary, and I am also a monthly donor to Modest Needs.

What are your favorite ways of giving back? Did you do anything special in honor of the holidays or because of the recession? Or, have you been helped by a special group that you'd like to give a shout-out to here?

I have given bags of dog food from the shelter to some homeless folks I know. Two people I know who are living in their cars have taken in stray dogs as companions and to protect the few possessions they have left. I was worried about how they were able to feed the dogs and themselves, so I brought them a few months' worth of dog food and flea control, and told them to let me know when they ran out.

We found a friend who wasn't able to get to family for Christmas. We invited her to our house for dinner, and I went out to get some special food we don't usually eat so she would feel "at home".
Shout out always to Refugees International (www.refugeesinternational.org) for the great work they do.

Shout out to my boss who often gives away her medical services because she sees within each person the spirit of God.

And that is very nice of you and your boss :pals:

We have been too long saying we'll give "when we have a few $$$ more". Your post means very much. We can all do by volunteering.

Best wishes on a job. I was out of work since 3/12/08. We were very fortunate to keep the wolf away from the door.

PEACE!

BTW, K&R!

The market hasn't hit bottom in this area yet (Houston area), so I am finding plenty to apply for, and have no shortage of interviews. It's just a matter of finding the right match.

In addition to the organizations I mentioned above, I have a couple of friends who lost everything in Hurricane Ike, including their jobs, and I want to make anonymous donations to them. If I can start work before my severance pay runs out, I will be able to bank my vacation time, and I will probably give that whole chunk away (three weeks' pay). I wish I'd win the lotto, not so I could live in luxury, but so I could do something about the people I know who are hurting.