Time to give

For some Americans the holiday season is an excuse to live up to our reputation of materialism and indulgence. The giving and receiving of presents seems to be the focal point of the winter holidays -- at least that's the apparent trend every Black Friday when enthusiastic shoppers kick off the holiday season by sizzling a hole in their wallets. But some families are turning Santa Claus away at the door and sending him where he belongs: to charities in desperate need of funds during any season. They might not think to pat themselves on the back. But we should. \nThe idea isn't new. Instead of using the Christmas budget on toys and trinkets, a family or group of friends agrees to spend at least part of the budget on charitable donations. Charities have capitalized on this practice and solicit donations during the holiday season, when generosity is in vogue. \nThe practice is no doubt a positive one. The tradition helps to contradict the American preoccupation with materialism that still remains the dominant trend. Sales for trinkets with marginal use like toothpick holders, dog toys and cup holders soar year-round in America, while some workers who produce those products struggle to keep themselves supplied with necessities. \nIt's worthwhile to share the wealth. Sending half of the money spent on a middle-class family's Christmas celebration -- say, $300 -- could feed 10 children and their families, according to the World Vision charity's Web site. \nMany American charities accept donations of gifts or money intended for families unable to celebrate Christmas or who struggle to make ends meet year-round. Angel Tree is one of those organizations, sponsored by the Salvation Army. But the charity doesn't need to be religious to be helpful -- especially in a society in which gift giving has become a secular activity separate from religious significance. Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association and Make-A-Wish are year-round programs that count on holiday generosity to fund their charitable efforts.\nGenerosity doesn't have to stop at American borders, either. International charities like the Heifer Project work to teach the world's poor the skills necessary to become self-sufficient. The Red Cross is still accepting donations for relief efforts as well, following the earthquake in Kashmir. \nSavvy givers research charities before they give or advise their families and friends to do so. Some charities spend larger percentages of donations on overhead costs than on the group or individuals in greatest need of the money. Americans research the features and advantages of digital camera brands and video games in the finest detail to make sure they get the biggest bang for their buck during the holiday season. Choosing the right charity to patronize is worth the same amount of diligence and effort.\nAmericans who choose to donate part of their Christmas haul to a good cause are doing their part to contradict our country's reputation for thoughtless materialism. More of us would do well this winter to make a little sacrifice in pursuit of the greater good. In giving to those in need at home and abroad during the holidays, those of us that have it all are adding a gift that can't be bought to the pile of packages under the tree -- the happiness of strangers.