We got our Christmas present from my Mother-in-law today...

[Mythsaje]

It came in the form of a card.

"After much soul searching we've decided our gift to you should have meaning to honor the occasion of this holiday long after the season is gone; something to last well beyond Christmas 2007.

With that goal in mind, and our heifer international catalog in hand, we've added your name to those of other friends and family members to send 2 goats and 3 flocks of chickens to help those less fortunate than ourselves "learn to fish" so they may feed themselves far into the future.

To you we send our Love and Best Wishes,"


A pretty cool deal, really. I have one of the catalogs in hand, and don't think it's a bad idea at all.

Definitely better, in my opinion, than something I personally don't need or want.

[The Blue Flower]

1. I definitely recommend it

I've been buying flocks of chickens in memory of my 5-year-old nephew who passed away. His mother--my sister--appreciates it so much at this time of year.

[MissB]

2. I got one of those presents last year.

Perfect gift, really.

[BuyingThyme]

3. Sam Seder had those folks on this weekend.

It sounded bizarrely wonderful.

[BuyingThyme]

7. Or, at least I think it was the same group. Link:

http://www.heifer.org/

[annabanana]

14. Yup.. That's their URL... a really nifty way to celebrate!. . n/t

[blogslut]

4. I can give honey bees?

Sweet!

Thanks for this idea. That site is wonderful!

[Turbineguy]

5. Dang! That sounds nice!

I don't need another neck tie either.

I mean, speaking strictly as an urban-machinery-person, not having to milk the goats and collect eggs from the chickens and clean up after them is an added bonus!

[Sherman A1]

6. While we don't do the Heifer International

I convinced both mine and my wife's family to skip the exchange of gift cards (because we have no clue as to what anyone wants, nor do any of us need anything that we can't buy ourselves) to the adults and do a donation of some sort. This year I sent a check to the Catholic Urban Project in East St. Louis, IL. Not that I am a huge supporter of Holy Mother the Church, but I know someone (a cousin) who works there and they do good for the people there.

There are a bunch of folks in need in all parts of the world, we should all try to do what we can.

[alstephenson]

8. HELP! I've been considering giving my nieces and nephews

a gift of a donation to Heifer or a share in a micro-loan to kiva.org for Christmas. They range in age from 14 to 21. I usually give them a $50 gift card each. What do you think??? Would they appreciate this, or just think their aunt is a loony liberal??? I really don't know. Thanks, in advance, for your advise!

[Mythsaje]

9. Hard to say...

On one hand it could be a great moral lesson, but if they don't understand or don't know to appreciate it, it could end up not working quite the way you'd wish. It would still be good for the charities involved, and the people they help, but it would be best if such a gift was truly appreciated by those who receive it.

Guess it depends on the kids.

[BuyingThyme]

12. Both.

I'm all about the toys.

[Sherman A1]

13. Might consider

doing a split of donation and gift(s) for them. That way they can have the moral lesson, the charities get something and the kids still have something under the tree so to speak. Might be worth talking with the parents before you make a decision.


:hi:

[SammyWinstonJack]

10. That card should be sent by the bu$h Maladministration and they should mean it!

Our Tax dollars hard at work too feed the World and bring about World Peace!

[applegrove]

11. Yes a nice sentiment.