Shopping with a Purpose

This time every year, I spend lots of time looking for the perfect gift. No one on my list needs anything; myself, Luke, and Kate included. Looking at how much I have, and how much others need, has challenged me to Shop with a Purpose this year. I am constantly humbled by how much God has blessed and continues to bless my family. I am hoping that 75 % of my the gifts I purchase will benefit those who I buy from. I only say 75% because last year was 0%, so 100% is a slightly unrealistic (especially since I have already purchased some toys for Kate that were not benefitting anyone but us :) Here is a very extensive list of ways that you can give (twice) this Christmas season, and she is working on a list for 2009.I also looked here and here for ideas. Do yall have any other good place that I can shop?

"I am sorry, Boy," said the tree, "but I have nothing left to give you----" "My apples are gone." "My teeth are too weak for apples," said the boy. "My branches are gone," said the tree. "You cannot swing on them------" "I am too old to swing on branches," said the boy. "My trunk is gone," said the tree. "You cannot climb--------" "I am too tired to climb," said the boy. "I am sorry," sighed the tree. "I wish that I could give you something------ but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump." "I don't need very much now," said the boy. "just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired." "Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, "well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the boy did. And the tree was happy. © Shel Silverstein