Last week, the Romance Suite featured unique, romantic
gift-giving ideas, the real and the virtual varieties, for your significant others. This week, the theme is being
extended, as often is the case here, to giving of a different type: giving of yourself in the name of global love. If any
time of the year lends itself to volunteerism, it's the month of December. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Yule, Hannukah,
Kwanzaa or any other special holiday traditions, 'tis the season to provide smiles and goodwill. In addition to spreading
kindness and appreciation to our loved ones, we should each consider how to also give to those in need. The true meaning
of this season is illuminating love around the world. Let that be our goal in December 1998. write to a home-sick soldier (hint: address a letter to "any soldier" c/o a military base and its address...it will be randomly given out)
sponsor an underpriviledged child in a underdeveloped country
volunteer your time or materials to organizations such the Red Cross or local public assistance groups
give whatever you can afford to a charity you most believe in (note: it's tax-deductible, too!)
become an organ and/or tissue donor
get involved in blood drives
perform random acts of kindness in your neighborhood
donate your time to a nursing home, orphanage, day care, hospital, or soup kitchen in your community AMOE - Angel Moms On Earth is a special group of ladies that recommend and adopt children to spoil for either Christmas or for the full year. There are still waiting lists of children to be "adopted."
Challenge Worth Taking - Xmas adoption sponsored by "Ladies of the Heart." Brighten a child's holiday, and help them to feel every bit as special as they are!
Giving the Gift of Life - become an organ and/or tissue donor. This is one way to be a miracle maker.
Angel Network - Oprah's special project. Join in by becoming an "angel" in your neighborhood and help keep the "kindness chain" going!
Charity Donations - "give where it's needed most." Research charities and make donations to those you choose.
Pets & People - ways to give the gift of love to animals
It's Hip to Help - this Red Cross site features ways to volunteer, become a donor, or join in a blood drive near you to help others, today.
Some general suggestions: (the idea is to find a way to extend yourself to others...and doing any of these acts of love can be a wonderful bonding experience for couples, as well!)
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