I always put money in the Salvation Army kettles. I also this year gave $50. to Toy's For Tots and let them decide how best to spend it. I felt great, and hope it makes some kids happy this year!

I gave to a new organization called C.A.S.A., which is a non profit organization concerned with child advocacy (on the web www.nationalcasa.org). They help find homes for neglected abused and displaced children. They do much more, and you can read about it on their web site. I also gave some time to a local organization that has volunteers call older people in nursing homes who are alone, blind, etc. to wish them a happy holiday. I always feel better when I give things. In fact I feel almost uncomfortable receiving gifts. I was taught by my parents, especially my mother, that when we give to those who have less than us, we will get back some kind of gift ourselves somewhere in life, but our real gift is in feeling good that we helped someone less fortunate. I wanted to give more this year, but couldn't. I hope to give all year around if I can in the coming year to C.A.S.A. and other places as my way of saying, "I am sorry for you, and this is a small part of what I had growing up that I am now giving back to you." I was so lucky, I had no idea how lucky I was. Now that I do realize how good I had it, (shelter, clothing and food wise at least) I will make up for lost time if I can by helping others.