Let them eat cake!

History Lesson - In all likelihood Marie Antoinette never uttered these words.  But they certainly reflect an oblivious disregard to the plight of the poor.  This Christmas, you can change the world.  Really!  Most likely, if you're reading this blog, you're reading on your computer, sitting in comfy furniture, in your home (or at Starbucks), with a car in the garage and food in the fridge.  You are privileged.  You KNOW there are people out there that need help.  And in this season of peace and generosity, would you consider a small gift to give a child or a family a hand up out of poverty (or other equally dire situations)?  

Gift ideas:
Write a check (or pay by credit card) to your favorite charity.
Buy and give a gift to be given to a child or family that can't afford gifts this year.
In lieu of wrapped gifts, offer gifts given to charities in honor of friends and family.

I've listed a few of my favorite holiday gifts and charities below:

A Goat! - World Vision allows you to provide clean water, farm animals, and disaster relief to children and families all over the world.  You can also opt to provide a monthly sponsorship to provide a child with food, education, clean water and medical care.

A Toy! - Angel Tree helps you to meet the specific wants and needs of children whose parents are incarcerated.

A College Education! - Compassion International's Leadership Development Program helps exceptional students from poor and unstable nations to get a college education and leadership training to take back to their home country.

A Cure! - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering research and treatment of children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

A Chance! - Samaritan's Purse delivers disaster relief and "Shoebox" gifts where they are needed all over the world.

There are thousands of other opportunities.  Find one that tugs at your heart and give.  Even better, get you friends, family, or co-workers involved to grow your gift.

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. - Proverbs