This year

  This year,  give the "gift of good"

Neil Gordon, Kevin Cline, and his mother Robin Cline attended the Alternative Gift Market

at the Presbyterian Church on November 18. This display is about the Living Waters systems

which saves lives by providing safe drinking water. The Market was a great success and

will still be open in the church office (without all the displays) until Christmas.

   One good rule for green gift giving is don’t waste your money. Almost everyone has groaned inwardly at the sight of an unwanted gift.
     Many times, the recipient of a gift appreciates the gesture, but doesn’t care much about the gift!
     Each unwanted purchase means wasted energy in manufacturing and transporting the item. The unwanted gift may end up on a trash heap, or cluttering a closet. And what about the waste of your time and hard earned money that could do so much good elsewhere?
    You can use your holiday funds in a way that expresses your affection for the recipient and helps others or the environment.
    When you can't figure out what to get for a friend or relative, how about donating to a good cause in that person’s name? Think about the person and what they care about. What cause would they like to support?
     The animal lover may appreciate a donation to the Humane Society. The person whose life has been touched by mental illness, a donation to the local chapter of National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. The book lover, a donation to the library. Locally, there is also Hospice, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and The Salvation Army, just to name a few. A gift to United Way covers many charities with one donation.
     If you want to give a really green gift, make a donation in someone’s name that will help fight global warming. For example, you can fund tree planting in the tropics which helps remove carbon dioxide greenhouse gas from the atmosphere. (Check out Trees for the Future.) Donating to a group that helps save rainforest is similarly helpful. Or you can help fund solar power or wind power. (Check out NativeEnergy, or other “offset” organizations.)
    Many people feel good about being part of a good deed. They will appreciate your gift!
    Giving a "gift of good" reaches far beyond the recipient and lasts much longer than the holiday season. It's a great way to show someone you care.