Offering

In an attempt to begin a tradition of donating to an organization/organizations that help the less fortunate, I have come across several sites and wanted to share them in an effort to encourage others to look into it as well.

The idea that people worry about how they will be able to afford their next meal is a very sad concept, especially during a time of year that is so centered around bringing people together for feasting.
--Groupon, Feeding America, and Pepsi teamed up to offer an extended deal where you can purchase $22 worth of meals for only $11 each! 100% of proceeds bought through this Groupon offer are distributed through the Feeding American Organization to needy families; with Pepsi matching all donations up to $250,000!
--Holidash has compiled several different great ideas for how to help.
--The organization behind the national Dine Out Campaign, Share Our Strength, hosts many events throughout the year and across the nation that benefit those in need.
--A regular mom, and fellow blogger, has organized a fundraiser in order to bring Thanksgiving dinners to people who may otherwise not get to enjoy one this year. Jill at ScaryMommy is matching donations and buying gift cards to distribute to families in need. Go here, check it out, and help if you can.

--The Samaritan Ministries in my hometown of Winston Salem is currently holding a penny drive, and is always in need of donations and volunteers.
--Living Social is offering a deal where $15 creates a $30 credit for a USO care package for a soldier overseas, who not only probably won't get to enjoy the holidays with his or her family this year, but also don't get to enjoy just the everyday with them. The people of the military perform a service that is extremely appreciated, and as someone who isn't even remotely brave/selfless/willing enough to step up to the plate and do what they do, I think a care package is the least I can offer.
--I remember the year my mom was working one full and two part time jobs to support me, her and Hayli, and we came home one night to find a live Christmas tree on our front porch. To this day, we still have no idea who left that tree for us, but I know that I'll never forget the look on my mom's face- it was one less thing she had to worry about providing in her attempt to maintain some normalcy for us. Similarly, I'm sure buying a $10/$20/$50 gift card to a Walmart/grocery store/gas station, etc. and handing it to the single dad of 4 who looks like he's struggling, or offering to pay for the 5 grocery items the 80 year old woman in front of you has as random acts of kindness would probably be appreciated more than you could ever know. Use your judgement on who you want to give it to- it may be someone who truly needed it to survive, or someone who won't have to go to bed on that one night wondering which is more important to pay for-heat or food, or maybe it's someone who doesn't need it as much as it seemed.

Even if you don't care or can't to contribute to any of these causes, consider helping out however you can- whether it's donations of your money, time, or gently used items. I know everyone is busy, and I don't know too many millionaires, but Google your local shelters- human or animal, and take a peek at their wish lists and where they need man-power. Everyone can help in some way. Besides, imagine all the good karma.