Thinking about the Holidays – Is it to Early to be Talking About It?

I had the pleasure today to go to a tea with the 5th grade girls at Trinity school.  Don and I were both able to attend and sit with the girls we sponsored.  The tea was the graduation ceremony for their participation in The Crown Jewel Club – www.crownjewelclub.com.

I was at the table with Debbie Lanni who came up with a good idea – sponsor girls for the next class as a holiday gift for those friends who have it all. As much as I like the idea and know it makes sense I have to rethink how I will make gift decisions this year.

This makes so much sense after spending the day with my girl.  She is a shy girl who lives with her grandmother who is raising her and also some young cousins.  One question we answered at the table was “where do you go when you want some quiet?”  She answered that her dad was in jail but his car was there so she sat in it for a quiet space.

There are so many places where our treasure can be used to help others.  This year I’m thinking about how to give some of my gifts differently so they have social impact.

Here’s my short list:

Teaching South Central LA 5th grade girls etiquette and grooming as a way to build self esteem

www.crownjewelclub.com

Helping adults with chronic & persistent mental illness live with dignity

http://www.alcottcenter.org/

Helping women in developing countries become self sufficient using their talent to earn a living

http://www.upfromthedust.com/

Providing a new start to at-risk men, women and young adults to help them attain dignity & self-sufficiency

http://www.workingwardrobes.org/

I know we all have our favorite places to invest our money for social good – please leave a comment and let us know who else should be on our radar this year.  Maybe by the time I make my shopping list I’ll figure out how to “do good” and try something new for the people on my naughty & nice list.