Count Your Blessings and Give Some, Too – 24 Easy Ways Online

I’m counting my blessings this month even as I run around stressing about getting everything done: the shopping, the wrapping, the end-of-year sales and finances, the travel plans, etc. But I’m not forgetting how, even though I’m crazed, I’m extremely lucky. I have a warm home – in both temperature and spirit, a great marriage, two glorious children, great and patient friends, a thriving business on my own terms, fabulous employees, a supportive extended family, three dogs who make me crazy but are great for cuddling, and much, much more.

As I look around this month and count my blessings more than usual, I also want to give back as a way of saying “thanks” to the universe/Kismet, etc. It’s easier than ever these days – so no excuses. Click on any of the URLs below to share the spirit this holiday season – and always, for that matter.

1. Support research for many medical causes. My personal passions: Alzheimer’s and Cancer.
2. Be the example to a teen at risk.
3. Boston’s very own Globe Santa can use your help for granting holiday wishes to needy families.
4. Californian? Shop at Out of the Closet thrift stores to support AIDS Healthcare
   Foundation through proceeds
5. Choose a volunteer project or go local – do something in your town
6. Keep us all healthy – donate for vaccinations against deadly diseases
7. See clearly – donate your old eye glasses
8. Keep walking – donate old shoes
9. Nature matters - protect rain forests
10. You can provide a month of care for sexual slavery victims
11. Not flying this season? Donate your frequent flyer miles to families of injured soldiers
12. Each year the average teacher spends over $659 from their own pocket to buy classroom materials; you can help locally or otherwise
13. eBay isn’t just for buying; sell gifts online, too – a percentage of sales goes to charities of your choice
14. Enjoying your family at the holidays? Our homesick troops aren’t so lucky – help brighten their holiday
15. Give blood
16. Education matters – support a future college student
17. Help time pass for a hospital-bound child
18. Brides Against Breast Cancer can use your gown
19. My Mom’s Golden is a therapy dog; yours can be too
20. Send your old laptop to a child
21. Shopping anyway so why not donate a portion of what you buy this season by shopping here
22. Support the need for medical supplies for children
23. Upgrade your car or mobile phone and donate the old one for domestic violence victims
24. Warm and cozy? Many are not. Donate stuffed animals, baby blankets, and children’s books