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While the holiday season is certainly a time to laugh and be merry, it also can bring about realizations of things I normally take for granted. I usually don’t stop to appreciate that I have enough to eat, and that there are others who would appreciate and benefit from a little generosity from those who can afford to give it. The recent Hurricane Mitch also has caused me to take notice of things that are easy to think of as a right, not a privilege, like clothes and a place to live. Fortunately, the Net can assist in

finding information on helping out those who could benefit from a gift, either of money, food, or clothing. Holidays Yahoo! has several listings on where to make donations to kids around the world this holiday season. An organization featured that has been bringing toys to kids since 1947 is Toys For Tots. They make it easy to donate both money and toys — their site features a form you can print out to make a tax-deductible donation, and has a map to locate any of their 250 nationwide donation centers. Volunteers of America continue their yearly tradition of Sidewalk Santas, and this year you can make a donation online, and help keep alive this holiday organization that began helping the needy in 1900. SantaClaus.com features a different charity daily, which makes it easy to find a cause that’s particularly important to you, and lists worthy organizations to keep in mind not just during the holidays, but all year round. Hurricane Relief The recent hurricanes in Central America have prompted the world to give of their wallets and their possessions to aid the thousands left homeless and without adequate supplies. If you’re interested in contributing to organizations working to help the flood victims, a great place to get info on where or what to send is How to Help Those in Need. It lists several numbers (several are 1-800) of agencies accepting donations. The United Way has an update on the hurricane disaster situation, and provides an address where you can send monetary gifts. Also listed is a page with all local United Way associations, if you’re interested in making material donations in your area. The American Red Cross accepts donations by phone, mail, or online. CARE offers the same options, and takes it one step further. If you choose, you can donate your Delta frequent flier miles to help transport both people and supplies to victims. Donating Safely If you’re hesitant about making donations and want to ensure your contribution is going to a legitimate organization, take a look at what the Better Business Bureau has to say about making holiday donations, and ensuring they reach the people for whom they are intended.