Wrapping up the one-year bloggiversary celebration, I’m finishing this up with a giveaway of sorts. Inspired by other giving bloggers around the blogosphere this month, and also by the 30 Day Giving Challenge, I’ll be giving away a donation, to the winner’s favorite charity. At the same time, I’ll be passing on to the selected winner a small token of my appreciation – a $25 gift card to Gevalia Coffee that I have but am choosing to pass on rather than keep it for myself.

I am going to make this REALLY simple. You like simple don’t you?

Here’s what you need to do to enter:

1. Leave a comment telling me which charity, ministry or organization you would have me make a donation to if you win. You must include a link to the charity, and they must have a way for me to make a donation online. You must also enter a valid email address so that I can contact you about you Gevalia gift card.
2. An alternative way to enter: If you would like to join me in my final gust of giving for this carnival…I offer to you, the opportunity to turn around and do the same thing on your blog and offer to give away a donation of a reader’s choice. If you choose to do so, write a post and leave a link in the comments. Don’t forget to leave a link to your own favorite ministry and your email address.

The “rules”:

1.) If you don’t leave a link to the organization website, accept online donations, or your email address your entry will be invalid. (Leave your email address in the comment entry form, not necessarily the comment itself – your email address in the entry form will not be publicly displayed, only allows me to reply by email to your comment and will not be used for any form of solicitation in the future.)

2.) The charity donation is open to bloggers and non bloggers alike, worldwide. Gevalia may or may not make shipments to your destination. It’s up to you to determine if Gevalia coffee is available in your area.

3.) Comments will close Friday, November 27, 2009 at midnight central standard time. At that point in time a winner will be chosen by random draw.

That’s pretty simple, right?

If you have enjoyed any part of my Give-Thanks-Giving Bloggiversary party, consider subscribing to updates from Classic Housewife, joining the fan page on Facebook or following me on Twitter. Thanks for celebrating with me!

UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Find the results here.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2nd Corinthians 9:7

It seems the opportunities to give and to serve come crawling out of the woodwork when the holidays roll around. But the majority of those ministries have needs year round. All year long you can donate your time or your money to those in need.

There are so many really good ministries, organizations and charities out there that need year round support. Closer to home, there are also many ministries and individuals in your local community in need. There are so many ways to give to others, so many opportunities to show the love of Christ.

The truth is — the holidays are just when we think about it.

But don’t let that stop you. Many of them do need additional help during the holidays. As the Spirit leads, may you give and serve in love and with a cheerful heart!

Below is a small list, a tiny fraction, of the many, many opportunities online for giving to others. I know there are many, many more. Please, if you have a special ministry or organization that is close to your heart, please leave a link in the comment section and I will add it to the list. And thanks!

Online Resources for Giving:

1. Samaritan’s Purse - “For over 35 years, Samaritan’s Purse has done our utmost to follow Christ’s command by going to the aid of the world’s poor, sick, and suffering. We are an effective means of reaching hurting people in countries around the world with food, medicine, and other assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ. This, in turn, earns us a hearing for the Gospel, the Good News of eternal life through Jesus Christ.”
2. Women At Risk International – “Women At Risk, International unites and educates women to create circles of protection and hope around women at risk through culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects.”
3. Hannah’s Socks – “Hannah’s Socks is a non-profit organization focused on providing clothing necessities to the less fortunate in Toledo, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; and their neighboring communities. Hannah’s Socks collects donated materials in the form of men’s, women’s and children’s socks and undergarments, then leverages partnerships with local shelters for distribution to both the homeless and to victims of domestic violence. In addition, we support programs serving under-privileged children. Hannah’s Socks firmly believes that in a country as prosperous as the United States, no man, woman or child should want for something as basic as a warm pair of socks.”
4. Hannah House Maternity Home / Promiseland Ministries Inc – “Our Mission…to reach out to teens and young women in a crisis pregancy situation; to provide an alternative to abortion such as adoption or parenting; to develop better decision-making, life, and parenting skills; to further education; to build stronger belief and understanding of the family; to glorify God and share His word and answers for today’s world.”
5. Feeding America – Feeding America is the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity.  Our mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger. Each year, the Feeding America network provides food to more than 25 million low-income people facing hunger in the United States, including more than 9 million children and nearly 3 million seniors.
6. Feeding America Partners – Many corporate sponsors partner with Feeding America to help the cause, including companies like Honeysuckle White and Snickers.

Also, don’t forget Christmas Change – a website dedicated to changing the way you think and spend this Christmas, encouraging you to spend less and give more. Included: A list of charities and a place to share personal stories.

And also, the 30 Day Giving Challenge – a place to find LOTS of ideas on ways to give this holiday season, including many suggestions for free ways to give.. ways that none of us have excuses not to do! Take part in Alyssa’s challenge to give something, somewhere every day in November (or what is left of it – there is still time to give!)

And last but not least, there are many bloggers who we may come across through our online busyness and browsing, bloggers like Ali @ My God Given Mission Field. Ali & her family are saving up for an adoption and have a very unique fundraiser going on right now. Ali has purchased a large puzzle. When someone sponsors a puzzle piece for five dollars, a puzzle piece (with the sponsors name on the back) is put into place. Once the whole puzzle is complete they will have the funds for the their adoption. Once the whole puzzle is complete, it will be framed and hung in their new adopted child’s room as a symbol. Isn’t that a beautiful idea?? It touched my heart when I first read it and it still gets me now.

What charities, ministries and organizations has God placed on your heart? Leave a comment in the comment section with a link, and a little bit about why it’s special to you or how you found it. If you know about other online resources like Christmas Change or the 30 Day Giving Challenge, or about other bloggers like Ali, tell us about those, too.

Proverbs 3:27 – Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.

This post is a part of the Classic Housewife One Year Bloggiversary Give-Thanks-Giving celebration.

What is your Thanksgiving celebration going to look like this year?

Will you travel? Will friends and family gather in your home? Will there be turkey or ham? Or both?! Close your eyes a moment and visualize it. Think about how you want it to happen, imagine enjoying the day’s festivities with joy and laughter.

If you can imagine these things, if this is what Thanksgiving dinner will look like for you, or anything like it,.. then you are blessed!! Stop right now and make a list of your blessings:

1. I have a home.
2. I have family nearby to gather with.
3. I have a mother-in-law to cook a turkey because a.) I don’t like to and b.) the seal on my oven is damaged and I can’t. =
4. I GET ALONG with my family! =)
5. There will plenty of food on the table. Good food, because everybody can cook well. =)
6. I have a car to get me back and forth to my mother-in-law’s house.
7. I have the money for gas.
8. Even if I had none of these things – I have my God, my Savior and how Wonderful that is!

What things are you blessed with? What things are you thankful for?

This is not a guilt trip, I’m not going to turn around now and say: “Now thing of all the people who don’t have those things and look how much YOU have!” It’s true there will be people that spend Thanksgiving alone, people who spend Thanksgiving homeless, and people who will celebrate Thanksgiving with very simple and sparse meals. There will also be some who are so burdened by their circumstances that they can’t find the joy to celebrate at all – they can’t list anything to be thankful for. But I don’t want to make you feel guilty for all the wonderful blessings you have. Quite the contrary!

We should rejoice in our blessings!

At the same time, we should be a blessing to others, allowing God to use us to share his love and blessings with others. And that my friends is my challenge to you this Thanksgiving. How can you show the love of Christ to someone in need this Thanksgiving?

1. Can you take someone a turkey? Or a whole meal?
2. Can you cook a turkey for someone who doesn’t have a working oven?
3. Can you invite a friend to join your family, who doesn’t have family to celebrate?
4. What can you do, particular to your own circumstance and blessings, to share your blessings with others, giving them cause to rejoice in Thanksgiving and praise our Savior for His wonderful blessings?

Before you think this is all about financial blessings, it isn’t. You don’t have to be financially abundant in order to serve others. There are times it makes it easier, yes. But money isn’t the end all and be all of God’s love. If you don’t have it in your budget (and you may not and that’s okay) to buy an extra turkey or an extra meal – then don’t! God wants us to be good stewards – and going in debt for charity is still going in debt!

There are other ways you can share the love of Christ this holiday season.

1. You can institute a Thanksgiving potluck between your family and another family or two – each of you pitching in part of the meal.
2. You can give of your time and serve in a soup kitchen, at a food pantry donation center, or something of that nature.
3. You can even do something as simple as babysitting children for a friend so they can do their holiday grocery shopping or baking without interruptions.
4. What other ways can you think of, in your life, to serve someone next week?

One simple act of kindness can make a world of difference to someone in need. And that dear ones, is what this challenge is really all about. This Thanksgiving, let us not just sit in our warm homes and enjoy our family and food and praise God for all the pie on the table and all the many other blessings he has bestowed upon us – though there is nothing wrong at all in doing any of those things! But this Thanksgiving let’s take it a step farther. Let’s break out of our warm bubbles for a little bit and go an extra mile for someone else. Can you do it? Are you up for it?

If you want to join me in my mission to Give Thanksgiving this year, I’m making a list, giving you the opportunity to say “I’m in this with you!” But a word of caution, I’m not asking you to boast or brag or fall prey to pride. No, no, no. I would never intentionally drag you into that sin. The bible cautions us against giving and proclaiming it loudly for all to see. I do want you to join the MckLinky and link to one of your posts. But what I’m asking you to do is to write your own post, encouraging others to give, linking back to this post, and giving examples of things you could do, or even what you want to do or did do. There is no harm in saying, “I’m taking a turkey to a friend.” I just want to caution you against using names or dollar amounts or that sort of thing. God knows those things. The internet doesn’t need to, right?

For me, I plan on taking a meal to a friend. I have to work the details out and should they all work out with her that is what I’m going to do this Thanksgiving to serve someone besides myself, to love them as God loves them. If it doesn’t work out with her, I am going to find someone else! What will you do? Are you with me?

This linky will stay open until midnight, November 25th, the day before Thanksgiving. If you can’t think of some way to give right off the bat, you’ve got time. In the meantime, you can also visit the 30 Day Giving Challenge at Alyssa’s for more giving ideas. (If you’re participating in that, you can even give for this challenge as one of your 30 days! And yeah, I asked her if it was okay to say that!) =)

Now go link up already!

This challenge is a part of my Give-Thanks-Giving Bloggiversary. Grab the button:

Last year I told you about one our Christmas traditions, The Gifts of the Magi, in which each child receives 3 gifts for Christmas, each one representing the gifts the  magi brought to honor the infant Savior. This is a great tradition all by itself but this year, I’m making it even better!

I often run around like a horse with blinders on. But lately God has been pulling so much stuff into my path, my plane of view, so that I couldn’t possibly miss it. Like Robin’s call to action several weeks ago in her post, Dead Faith. I hadn’t ever heard the song she mentioned in that post, Follow You by Leeland, until I read that post. A few days  later while traveling, I heard it on the radio and it got the wheels in my head spinning.

Long story short, I’m putting together all the pieces of the puzzle this year and creating what could possibly be our best Christmas tradition yet. This year, we’re turning our Gold present, the present of value, into a present of a different value – a spiritual value.I talked to my children, and we’re giving that gift- away. Every year we will choose together a specific ministry and we will donate the money for that gift to that ministry- a ministry near or far, hopefully many of them in our own community. In return, I will find and choose some kind of small Christmas ornament to remind us the ministry that we chose, and on Christmas morning, the gold box will contain a small ornament for each of my children to serve as a token for that gift.

This is a beautiful thing, people. Think ahead, think long term.

Every year we will choose to give to a ministry, we will receive an ornament, I will write the kids initials and dates on the bottom and eventually, we will have a whole tree full of ornaments representing all the gifts that we have given to others. Ideally my children would take this tradition with them. When they leave home they can take all of their ornaments with them to start their own tree. When they have children they can pass this tradition on.

I like it.

This year we chose to begin with Operation Christmas Child, which we have already done and just need to get in the mail. I need to find some kind of Christmas ornaments that looks like a shoe or a shoe box/giftbox. Something inexpensive and cute.

This year, the new tradition begins. I’m am SO excited about this. I can’t wait to see how this tradition blossoms and matures over the years. Can’t you just imagine?

As Christians we are called to have a heart that gives and serves gladly-all year round. Yet giving really takes the spotlight during the holidays. I try to encourage my children to be giving and to meet needs whenever they see them:

Proverbs 3:27 – Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.

Of course they are KIDS and often forget this admonishment; they must be frequently reminded that if they can help their sister/brother then they should go ahead and do it.

At Christmas I like to encourage my children to participate in Operation Christmas Child to not only teach my children about giving, and thinking of others, but also to try to combat some of the “gimme, gimmes” that so easily overtakes young minds (and some adult ones) this time of year. It’s harder to think selfishly while thinking selflessly.

Yesterday I took the kids to the dollar store to choose our items for their three O.C.C. boxes. They are each going to send a box to a child of the same sex and age as themselves, so they each spent some time picking out things they themselves would like to have – while bearing in mind that they weren’t going to get to keep them but rather were going to give them away.

It took Little Prince (who will be 4 in 3 weeks) a few minutes to catch on, but soon he was saying. “And THIS is for my boy! And THIS is for my boy!” Even Princess, 9 and a half, looked at me once and asked with a little longing in her voice, “Mom, can I have a Polly Pocket for Christmas, TOO?” But I was very proud of them for throwing themselves into it so eagerly and cheerfully picking out things they imagined some other child would enjoy instead of them.

Arriving home with our purchases provided new challenges. Little Prince completely attached himself to one item. At first I tried to reason with him while firmly and gently put my foot down. “No, you may not keep these dinosaurs, we bought them for the boy. If you would like some dinosaurs, you MAY ask for some for your birthday very soon. Would you like to ask for dinosaurs for your birthday?” He agreed and reluctantly added the little package of plastic dinosaurs to the box.

Minutes later, we experienced one of the worst meltdowns I have ever seen. The fury in his eyes sparkled as he wrestled over his desire for those little dinosaurs. I know that he can’t really grasp “three weeks from now”.. but I know that he has a memory like an elephant and he can hold on to the hope of that special birthday present. I also know that there is a deeper lesson in here that we can all learn from – how hard it is to let go of something we desire in order to serve and love others!

This morning he asked me about them one more time. He mentioned again that he wanted to keep them, I mentioned again that we bought them for the boy and that I agreed to get him some for his birthday– and that was the end of it. From having done this with my two older girls already, I have no doubt that next Christmas he will remember the little shoe boxes, and he’ll remember what they are for and how it works. He may or may not remember the dinosaurs but the seeds of giving have been planted and will continue to grow if nurtured.

This year we plan on including notes and pictures. We’ve never done this before, and I look forward to to seeing if we receive letters back. How exciting it will be if we do!

Samaritan’s Purse, who runs Operation Christmas Child, ministers to children and families around the world all year long. There are many opportunites to give and serve from January to December. At this point, our family has only participated through O.C.C., but it’s my hope that as our family grows, as God blesses our resources, and as He changes our hearts, I hope we’ll be able to give more often, more frequently throughout the year.

For Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan’s Purse does more than hand them a box and walk away. From their site:

The Operation Christmas Child ministry extends far beyond a gift-filled shoe box. A primary goal of the project is to offer children the opportunity to participate in the Operation Christmas Child Discipleship Program, and to give every graduate a New Testament in their local language. In 2009-2010, an estimated 1.9 million children will have the opportunity to participate in the program, with an estimated 1.2 million of these boys and girls completing the series of Bible lessons. These discipleship materials are used by local churches as effective resources to show children how to come into relationship with God, to explore His Word, and to encourage children to grow in their faith.

If you would like to learn more about Samaritan’s Purse, or Operation Christmas Child, check out their website, http://www.samaritanspurse.org. Click here to find a drop off location near you, or here to learn more about EZ Give.

Proverbs 11:23-25 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

I also uploaded pictures of our “operation” to the Classic Housewife fan page.

We know that Christmas is about giving, and about the greatest gift ever given. But we also know that it’s the GETTING that often takes center stage. How do we overcome that, especially with our children?

Encouraging our children to give of their time or resources is a good start.

Let it be said that we should have giving hearts all year long. During the holidays, people can feel particularly lonely, discontented and sad. During the winter, needs can be felt more severely. Throughout this holiday season, you can find many opportunities to give if you look around a little.

Giving of Your Resources

There are many Christmas related charities to chose from. These are just a few of them.

Angel Tree

Angel Tree is very popular, and you’re very likely to be able to find an angel tree in your area. The kids and I have done this in the past at our nearest Wal-Mart. One of the reasons I like doing this is because it is easy for my children to put themselves in the shoes of other children their age, imagine what it would be like to be in need, and then WANT to give them something they need and would enjoy. One benefit is that you’re able to purchase larger items, such as coats and shoes along with dolls and games, etc.

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child, by Samaritan’s Purse, is a charity that ministers to young children all over the world. Like the Angel Tree, my children can prepare packages for other children their same ages. There are, however, limitations on the kinds of items you can send – and you’re obviously limited by the size of the box. It would be hard to fit a pair of jeans or tennis shoes in with the rest of the gift items. Still, I like Operation Christmas Child for the fact that it gives us an opportunity to think of others in other countries and that they are ministering to children spiritually as well as physically. My children like the fact that the box they send could end up anywhere in the world! Even if you miss the deadline for this Christmas, OCC accepts donations year round.

Other Resources

There are other charities such as the Make A Wish Foundation and Toys for Tots. We haven’t personally participated in either of these, but I hear good things about them. You should also be able to find other opportunities around your community as well. Local churches and stores may have collections going. One youth group in our area is collecting coats, hats, mittens and blankets to give to those in need. Our Dollar General has a donation box for children in the area. Look around a little, and I’m sure you’ll notice opportunities all around you.

Giving of Your Time

This is one I struggle with, seeing as how I have three young children and am already struggling with managing my time wisely. Still, even for us busy moms, there are things we can do with our children to give of our time. (And be sure, I’m pointing all fingers at me while I write this!)

Take the time to tell someone you love them.

Say it with a phone call, a Christmas card, an email, some brownies… just say it. Take the time to think of someone else and encourage your children to do the same. (Again, this is something we can do year round!) Hand deliver notes and homebaked goodies to friends and neighbors, and don’t forget those who are sick or in nursing homes and may be in need of some company and a smiling face.

Show love through service.

Whether you offer to watch a friend’s children so they can Christmas shop or go on a date, or whether you offer to help them in their home with something that needs to be done, serving others is an act of love. When we serve others, not only do we show them that we care, but ultimately it is a witness to others of Christ’s love in us.

Something the kids and I have done in the past that is a lot of fun and very fulfilling for everyone involved is planning a surprise act of service for someone we saw who needed something. Just saying the word “surprise” is a lot of fun. Imagine how much fun it is to plan something special and then surprise that someone with just what they need.

Giving By “Recycling.”

Many people prepare for the holidays, the gatherings and parties, the impending influx of New Stuff, by purging through their “old stuff” first. I often have my children go through their items at this time of year, culling anything they don’t want or play with anymore (but still in good condition) for the purpose of sharing them with others who would appreciate them. It’s funny how my children balk at the idea of getting rid of things until you ask them to find things they can give to kids in need. Suddenly, they feel a lot more generous.

If you find yourself in possession of some extra material items this season, consider passing them on to someone else who might need them.

• Ask your friends and acquaintances if they need them. (Good for furniture, appliances, and ‘specialty’ items such as maternity wear and baby needs.)
• Join your nearest Freecycle group. You can offer practically anything on Freecycle – from boxes of miscellaneous kitchen items to empty fish aquariums to winter clothes.
• Find your nearest homeless or women’s shelter. A nearby shelter takes in battered women and children and is always in need of clothing and other items. There are few limitations on the kinds of things they will accept since many women and children come in with only the clothes on their backs.

I know this is just a scratch on the surface. There are many, many ways to give and serve others, especially during the holidays. If you have a favorite charity or service that I haven’t listed here, tell me about it, and why you like it.

Yes, it’s easy to think about all the getting, getting, getting at Christmas time. But it’s easier to avoid it when we think about giving, too. How will your family give this holiday season?

Amber

Tomorrow is the last day of the Advent Event – have you commented or subscribed to enter the drawing? A comment on this post counts as an entry, too. See all the details here.