This holiday season so many more are starving and hungry, even in our country

[Sarah Ibarruri]

If you agree with this, please K & R. Thank you.

My family opted to change our holiday tradition.

Since Republicans have nearly destroyed our country, many people are suffering like never before. There's more hunger everywhere in the U.S., sick people without health care, living in their car, people who have lost it all, their jobs, their homes or rentals, their everything.

As a result, my nephew decided it would be a wonderful idea to do this:

With the exception of toys for the kids (kids expect to get toys of course!), our gifts to one another will consist of the giver donating to a charity of the receiver's choice. Does that make any sense at all? For example, I researched charities and decided I like the mission of Meals on Wheels. Okay, so everyone in my family who was going to give a gifts, will instead give that $$ to that charity, and those donations will be my gifts.

If anyone is interested in doing that, I noticed that the Better Business Bureau has a list of accredited charities. Here's the link. It's towards the bottom of the page in a blue square titled "Resource Library" then "BBB Accredited Charity Directory"

http://us.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.aspx?site=113&id=4ef...

There are so many wonderful charities. I hope people post their favorite charity on here to give us ideas of which to help. Thank you.

[Diana Prince]

1. This year, like many others we are unable to doante cash, BUT...

we do have time that we can volunteer. My two girls (11 & almost 3) and I will be donating time to the Salvation Army with bell ringing. It is imperative in this time of economic crisis that we help those who are less fortunate.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

3. Thank you. Can you imagine if twice as many people as volunteer now, decided to volunteer?

It'd be wonderful.

[Liberal_in_LA]

2. great idea

[CrispyQ]

4. And don't forget our animal friends.

Humane Societies across the nation are over flowing as people who can no longer care for their pets drop them off. Even a donation of a 5# bag of dog/cat food will help. And don't forget things like old frayed towels & blankets that you're replacing. They use items like that every day.

Lastly, if you're thinking of getting an animal, consider adoption from your local Humane Society first. My pound pup, who was 6 1/2 years old when we adopted him, is a joy! I have loved every dog I've ever had, but this dog has captured my heart like no other.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

5. Them too, but you know what I have found?

I've found that recently more people are willing to work for animals and donate to animals, than to human beings. At least that's what I'm finding at my workplace. That's why I picked a charity that takes food to the old, sick, and poor.