Two Cents: Holiday Procrastination & Giving Back
I’m stoked for the holidays – no, ecstatic is more like it. But not in the traditional Christmas muzak, egg nog, ugly sweater, fruit cake sense. I’m more the collecting Toys for Tots, serving Christmas dinner to the homeless, Holiday charitable donation, giving back type. I’ve never been big on gift exchanges with friends, festive holiday-themed soirees or Black Friday shopping ’til I drop. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a Grinch and I don’t begrudge anyone their Yuletide gaiety. It’s just not me. I’m more subtle and subdued in my celebration, finding joy in the giving aspect of the holiday season rather than the receipt of gifts, particularly when others need so much more than I do. You see, l’m fortunate enough to have a roof over my head, a car in the driveway, some dollars in my pocket, friends and family who care about me and a healthy body that allows me to get out of bed every morning and do what I WANT to do, with minimal limitations. It’s the delightful, unexpected holiday gestures from loved ones that truly humble me and make it that much more important that I give back as much (and as often) as I can. So, to those friends, acquaintances, colleagues and family members that have given so much to me this holiday season, I say thank you. It’s in your honor that I give to others who, for whatever reason, aren’t able to do the same. That, to me, is the true spirit of the holidays.
Holiday Procrastinators, there’s still time to give…and give back!
Forget someone on your holiday gift list? Still trying to figure out what to give that person who already has everything? Why not give the gift that gives back…in more ways than one. Awww, I know, it sounds like some Sally Struthers Feed the Children or St. Jude’s Hospital informercial, right. Same concept, different approach – and it’s local. When Bo Andras started The Pride Card, his entire intent was about giving back. The marketing cooperative he’s created through the popular Pride Card discount program actively showcases area businesses that support equal rights for LGBTs. But it doesn’t stop there. The card’s benefits extend beyond this alliance of fair, like-minded businesses and reaches directly to the pockets of people who find value in supporting those that support LGBT rights. Quite simply, using the card at any of the participating businesses gives the barer exclusive discounts for an entire year (through 2010.) Restaurants, repair shops, coffee houses, professional services, bars and retailers of all kinds have joined the equality brigade where, right off the bat, the mere purchase of a card ensures that at minimum 10 percent is donated back to organizations whose goals are to foster equality and human rights for all LGBTs.
For $20 (well within the office gift exchange dollar limit) expect excellent year-long discounts to places like Babycakes, Pizza Gourmet Express, Lei Lounge, Urban Mo’s Bar & Grill, Bamboo Lounge, Ulan Med Spa, Got Me Massage and about 40 other local businesses that believe equality for all is never out of season!
Best Gift this Holiday, Donate to Charity in Someone’s Name
‘Tis the season, in a year that hasn’t been very economically gracious to many, especially non-profits. All to often, many exceptionally hard working and necessary social service and community organizations in San Diego go unnoticed for their tireless efforts to assist those in need. Sometimes, they skirt the limelight because they choose to while other lesser-known agencies are simply overlooked in favor of higher profile, more ‘media-friendly’ organizations. Not that those big brand non-profits are any less important. But, because they are so widely glorified, they tend to sponge a majority of the praise, hype and (subsequent) increasingly limited funds.
That being said, take 10 or 15 minutes to research some local charities that do go work in areas you feel passionate about. Then, make a donation to that charity, in any denomination, because no amount is too small. Then, buy a card for a friend or loved one, write a personal note to them saying, “Because of your kindness, I’ve made a donation to [insert charity] in your name. Wishing you Happy Holidays & a wonderful 2010.”
Here are but a very few local non-profit organizations doing excellent work in the communities they serve:
- Special Delivery
- Christie’s Place
- Home-Start
- ElderHelp of San Diego
- Being Alive
- Stonewall Citizens Patrol
- Down Syndrome Association of San Diego
- Invisible Youth Network
I look forward to seeing you all at 7PM on January 19, 2010 at The Center for my debut ‘Two Cents‘ event where we’ll be interacting with special guest Joseph Rocha. Happy Holidays!
Kthnxbai…for now.
