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Cheers To Charity
Thoughts 17 years ago No Comments

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Oh Sweet Charity. Giving to others gives you as much warmth as getting those silly fuzzy bunny slippers that you ask for every year. So if you’re at a loss for how to get that lovin’ feeling this cheerstocharity.gifholiday season, here are a few quick suggestions:

 For the repressed pop star: Instead of another crazy night of karaoke, gather all of your spotlight-hungry friends together and serenade some seniors at a local nursing home. You’ll never have a more receptive audience. Now that’s entertainment.

For the eternal child: Inject a little whimsy into your seriously adult life and revive the giddiness of childhood by going on a toy shopping spree for hopeful children at your local homeless shelter, orphanage, or hospital. While you’re at it, pick up a little Silly Putty for yourself.

For the fashion forward: Though many of us shoe obsessed are loath to admit it, you can only wear so many pairs. <sigh> So follow in the footsteps of shoe companies, retailers, and other footwear fanatics – clean out that closet and donate your gently worn to Soles4Souls, who will distribute them worldwide. (Pssst… Then you’ll have room for those new boots you’ve been stalking.)

For the empty-nester: The kids are grown, and you’re on your own. Though you cherish now having control of the remote and not having to eat cheese pizza three times a week, you’re going into shock not having anyone to nurture. Feel appreciated by volunteering for Meals On Wheels Association of America. Feel alive by spreading the love with pot roast.

For the globe-trotter: New York City fancies itself the center of the universe, so it makes sense that Manhattan-based ABC Carpet & Home now has ABC Home & Planet Foundation, a portal through which the charitable can donate “Gifts of Compassion” around the globe. EX: Eye operations in Asia or Africa and shelter for abused women in Egypt. Make the big picture more beautiful.

For the entrepreneur: If you have your own business, you’re probably too busy working to mentor others, but you still need to do some holiday shopping, right” Kill two birds with one stone by shopping online through Nest. They offer jewelry, clothing, and unique housewares made by female micro-credit loan recipients in developing countries. Viva l’indépendance!

So no matter what kind of person you are, let the spirit of the holidays envelop you and be oh-so-thankful for what you have. Cherish your friends and family, and be generous with your time and good fortune. We here at P&C hope that the remainder of your 2006 is merry and bright, and we wish you all the best for a marvelously successful 2007!

Laura McDonald, ASID / IIDA
Interior Designer / Founder
laura@plinthandchintz.com