Alternative Resources for Christmas Shopping

While we all do our best to keep the commercial side of Christmas at bay, admittedly, Christmas gifts are lovely to give and receive.  When making Christmas purchases this year – consider some of the following alternative gift ideas.

UPENDO VILLAGE: (http://upendovillage.org/) Give the gift of life to the women and children of Upendo Village.  You can make a donation in honor of your family and friends, or gift them with lovely, handcrafted items made by the Villagers.  To make a donation, you can find donor cards outside Sr. Theresa’s Office – on the Upendo Village Display.  To purchase handcrafts, or for more information, please contact Sr. Theresa Langfield @ 630-909-6691.

EQUAL EXCHANGE: (http://interfaith.equalexchange.com/) Purchase Fair Trade coffee, tea, and chocolate as a gift for someone, or to serve at your own holiday meal!

CRS Fair Trade/SERRV: (http://www.serrv.org/) Choose from hundreds of fair trade items: gifts for the home, jewelry and handbags, greeting cards, and more!  Each item is created by artisans who are supported with a fair wage, clean and safe living environments, and the self-respect that comes from providing for their families.

HEIFER INTERNATIONAL: (http://www.heifer.org/)  Give the gift of livestock and help families lift themselves out of poverty.  Livestock improves diets and produces a valuable agricultural product to sell.

“THE CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE” - According to the Giving USA Foundation, charitable donations amounted to $307.65 billion in 2008, down 2% from 2007.  The outlook for 2009 looks grim as charities are reporting a 9% average decline in donations.   For help deciding which charities are worthy of your support and whose philosophies suit yours, check Great Non-Profits; http://greatnonprofits.org/ a website dedicated to rating and sharing knowledge about trustworthy non-profit and charitable organizations.