Giving Back for the Holidays

In the Spirit of Giving

Regardless of what religion you practice, everyone recognizes the holiday season as a time to give back. While most of us are blessed to be surrounded by loved ones, good food and gifts, I can’t help but think of those that aren’t so fortunate and feel there’s no better time to give back than during the season of giving.

Here at MMC, as part of our MMC for a Cause program (the agency’s charity effort which you can read more about here, we’ll be participating in a Toys for Tots toy drive for the third year in a row. It’s easy to participate – simply contact your local chapter to get boxes/posters and they make pick-ups close to the holidays.

What I truly love most about charity though, is that it doesn’t matter how or what you can give or the types of activities you’re interested in – there is always a way to help out those in need. While you’re shopping, why not purchase items that give back? Here are some ideas if you’re struggling with this year’s gifts:

- For the food lover: Handmade brownies from a Yonkers bakery, proceeds go to Greyston Foundation to support jobs, childcare, health care and housing for the underprivileged

- For the globally conscious: Give a flock of geese, a llama or a water buffalo to help families around the world become self-reliant.

- For the writer: This “cruelty-free” leather journal is a fair trade item handcrafted by artisans in India.

- For the jewelry obsessed: When you purchase this sunshine charm, 25 percent of proceeds go to Project Sunshine, an organization that provides programs to children and families living with medical challenges.

Happy Holidays and let the shopping begin