A few people have written to ask about recommendations for charities and holiday giving. I know everybody has their pet charities. There are so many good organizations, but one that appeals to me because its action is so direct and not terribly administrative, is Heifer International. Basically, you donate livestock to a family in the developing world. You can pick from sheep, heifers, water buffalos, goats, chicks, etc. Some friends "got" the gift of giving a sheep this year and were very pleased ["Can we name the sheep?"]. Forbes magazine rates top charities here. Parents magazine has its list of top ten charities to benefit children here. SOS Children's Villages looked particularly worthwhile.

Posted by Laura at December 18, 2004 07:17 PM