So many Charities, so little time (and money)

Well, it's that time of the year again to extend not only good tidings and holiday cheer but also dig deep down into your heart and your pockets and give to those in need!  

I must admit that I definately do my fair share of giving and I am glad to do it.  I would only want to hope that if my family were in the same position that there would be someone out there who would be so generous to help. I come from a family who always will lend a helping hand to anyone, a family who gives and doesn't expect to receive. 

So, the question is, of all of the organizations that need your help, who do you give to? They are all deserving and needy. 

I try to do a little for each, pick a name off of the giving tree at my church, pick a child from the list at the office to buy for, give to toys for tots, money or gifts for a family choosen every year by a friend of mine to be a "secret santa" for.

Needless to say, it can be very consuming and costly!  So funny, how, at this time in our lives we can se how much we have evolved and how our perspectives have changed.  We are turning into our parents!  AAHH!!

I find myself hearing more people saying "the holiday's are about spending time together, not just the gifts" and "it's the thought that counts" instead of how much an item may have cost. When, as a child, you would have three pages of toys, games and clothes, more toys!!!! 

My family now does a polyanna, for fun, and we get one present for each niece and nephew instead of opening hoards of gifts that they don't need and would never play with.  Unfortunately, things are so expensive, we just can't afford to spend all of that money.  My husband and I actually set up a bank account for each niece and nephew and we put money in that for each holiday instead of buying a big gift.  They Their parents really appreciate it.

Anyway, in light of all of this I thought that it might be nice to compile a list of charities that I feel are worth a second look, here goes:

          http://www.angelman.org/

*My son Nicholas has Angelman Syndrome, it is a rare disorder that gets very little state and federal funding, the foundation relies primarily on private donations and fundraisers.  I run the Philadelphia Walk location every May at Cooper River Park

         http://www.autismspeaks.org/about_us.php?WT.svl=Top_Nav

 *Many of my friends children and my oldest son has been affected by Autism.  The number of children diagnosed has soared in recent years.  I run a support group for parents in my area and we also have an online support group for them as well.

       http://www.robinsnestinc.org/about_robins_nest_inc.htm

*A local organization that helps children in need

            http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/faq/index.cfm

*Part of my son's Angelman Syndrome is the onset of seizures at the age of 3.  This can be a life threatening condition and affects many people, but it tends to nor get a lot of public attention.

I could go on and on but these are a few that are close to my heart!

Thanks for reading and for giving to those in need this holiday season.  What is most important though is not taking advantage of what you have each and every day, not just during the holidays. 

Life is precious - enjoy!