Gifts that Give Back

Tis the season to remember, it's better to give than receive. And giving the holiday gift that also gives back to a good cause is better still.

Scout troops, sports teams, co-workers and classrooms can make significant contributions when they work together, adopting a local charity for the holidays. But every little bit helps. Individuals can make a difference by simply putting their purchasing power to a good cause, patronizing companies who give back to the community or donating directly to charities.

Many non-profits make it easy to help with special opportunities for holiday giving. For example, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is in the fourth year of its Thanks and Giving holiday campaign, asking consumers to shop at 50 participating retailers displaying the St. Jude magnifying glass logo, where they can add a donation at the checkout or purchase specially-marked items that benefit the hospital. Visit www.stjude.org or call
1-800-4STJUDE for more information about participating retailers, to view the Thanks and Giving Look Book online catalog or to make a donation.

There are of hundreds of items to choose from in the "Look Book" catalog, including luggage, teddy bears, clothing, jewelry, candles, gourmet nuts and chocolates, pet items and treats, house wares and so much more.

Founded by the late Danny Thomas and America's third-largest health care charity, St. Jude is a unique pediatric treatment and research facility where doctors from all over the world send their toughest cases. Certainly a worthy cause, Memphis-based St. Jude is totally funded by private donations and no one pays for treatment beyond what is covered by insurance. Those without insurance are never asked to pay. Discoveries made at St. Jude have changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

With donations from special products offered by retailers like Target and hundreds of items available online, St. Jude gives the gift of hope to children facing childhood diseases. Some of the items offered this holiday season at Target stores include special gift card holders and charitable chocolates, holiday cards and ornaments. Young patients and their family members staying at Target House - where long-term housing is provided to families of children receiving life-saving treatment at St. Jude - had a hand in designing them.

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