I'm making my list and checking it twice. But this year, it is a challenge. A challenge that only the dKos community can really and truly help me tackle.
Our family gift exchange this year has to be $50 gifts that "give back" in some form or another.
I received gifts from Ten Thousand Villages that will help artisans in India and other countries.
But I want the gifts that I give to help people here at home. Particularly those that are victims of Bush Administration disasters. I know the list is long. . . . can you please help me brainstorm? Put on your thinking caps and jingle bells. . .
We all know that there are countless victims suffering in our country in the wake of the Bush Administration's numerous disasters. From Hurricane Katrina to forgotten Iraq war vets to families facing foreclosure, people in this country need HELP.
I want to put together a Christmas package of gifts that give back to some of the victims of the Bush Administration's disasters. I started doing a bit of research, but thought that it would be a great group project for this community and possibly something that others would want to do for the people on their gift-giving lists, too.
My first thought was for Hurricane Katrina victims. I found a site that has a compilation of CDs of New Orleans musicians or CDs from Katrina benefits, where some or all of the proceeds go to various Katrina causes. www.satchmo.com/nolavl/katrinacds.html
Next, I was thinking of a way to help Iraq war vets that the Bush Administration has ignored through their mismanagement of the VA. I need thoughts on what sort of gift could benefit our vets -- a donation to an organization? A product that has proceeds going to Vets?
Who can ignore the victims of the recession? The diary posted a day or two ago about buying from local stores made me think that just making a purchase from a local business is a way of donating to a victim of the Bush Administration. My family member who will receive this gift lives in San Diego. Does anyone know of a San Diego-based business that might be in particular need right now??
I also thought about climate change and environmental issues and how that has been a disaster on Bush's watch. Given my family member lives in CA and that the Bush Administration has played a role in preventing CA from being more aggressive on emission standards, I thought maybe the purchase of carbon credits would be useful and meaningful.
Here's where you can play along. . . what other Bush Administration disasters have left victims in its wake and what sort of Christmas/holiday gifts could directly or indirectly benefit those victims. I can't wait to see what folks can come up with!!
Thanks in advance for your help!
Update: Found the Charity Navigator website and it looks useful for searching types of charities by topic. Also has a rating system. www.charitynavigator.org. I also found what looks to be a promising program through Operation Homefront called Injured Heroes Family Fund, administered by the southern California chapter of Operation Homefront. So, I'm making progress. Thanks for your great ideas so far!