Does Aunt Ida have all the scarves she needs? Does Mom keep saying, “Stop with the gifts, I DON’T need any more stuff!” Are you running out of ideas for special, meaningful gifts? Here is a suggestion: make a donation to a local, national, or international organization in honor of Aunt Ida, Mom, and all the other people on your list. More and more gift-givers like you are wrapping their presents in a bit of humanity instead of glitzy paper, knowing that the gifts they choose might enhance, empower, or even save the life of another person: lifeforming and maybe life-saving. The list below contains only a few of the many opportunities for giving. For local organizations, go to lchic.org and click on “Human Service Directory” for a complete list of non-profi ts that would welcome your thoughtful gift. Addresses are not included. It is best to call to make arrangements. The amounts listed are only examples. The following are some suggestions local to Williamsport and Lycoming County:

Aids Resource Inc. (570)322-8448 ~ $25 will provide food for 2 weeks for someone too sick to work.

American Red Cross (570)326-9131 ~ Donors can specify where they want their gifts to go: fire victims, local disaster relief, Emergency Military Program (keeping families connected) or health and safety.

The Center (570)322-5515 ~ It costs $15 per child for 1 unit of service. $100 will pay for one hour of activities, programming, counseling, and tutoring for 7 children.

YWCA Wise Options (570)322-4637 ext. 117 ~ Your gift will aid domestic violence victims.

American Rescue Workers (570)323-8401

The Salvation Army (570)326-9187

For those on your list who are animal lovers, consider the Lycoming County SPCA, the only full-service animal shelter in Lycoming County. Their 2010 Pawtraits Pet Calendars are available now for a minimum $5.00 donation to the shelter. For more information or to place orders, call (570)322-4646. Order forms are also available at www.lycomingspca.org/content/news.

On a national level you can honor young vets in a real way. Contribute to the creative and mental health of vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who are using art to process their experiences and heal the wounds of war by donating to the Warrior Writers Project: www.warriorwriters.org

Giving to an international organization impacts people in global but personal ways. You can “buy” goats, sheep, water pumps, seeds, rabbits, and more that will enable families to grow food, earn an income, send

their children to school, or start a micro business. I’m putting a fl ock of ducks on my wish list this year. Here are just a few suggestions:

Heifer.org

Churchworldservice.org

Worldvision.org

CatholiccharitiesUSA.org

Many organizations offer “thank you” gift cards to send the honored person explaining who the gift benefi ts and some send thanks directly to the honoree. Check these and other organizations through charitynavigator.org which evaluates the balance of administrative and direct service costs. It does not evaluate outcomes. Good luck with your gift list this season. Whether you choose a local gift or an international one, the recipients will be thrilled that you chose an “expandable” gift, one that stretches far beyond the season. Enjoy the spirit of giving.