Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog "Purchases" Made

One of the things that's become a Christmas tradition for our family is giving to the Samaritan's Purse gift catalog. The catalog contains 40 different ways you can help people from around the world -- by "purchasing" (really donating the money for) food, clothing, shelter, transportation, medical supplies, etc.

Each year, we give our kids a set amount of money and allow ourselves the same amount. Then each person goes through the catalog, "spends" the money, and then we talk about why we gave to a certain cause, what we liked about it and so on. It's a good way to start the season -- focused on other people and their needs versus what each of us are going to receive this year.

We got our catalog about a week ago and we all picked out our various items. In all, we gave to 19 different categories of the 40, but most of our money was spent in the following four:

• Give an orphan a month of loving care
• Clothing for those in need
• Hot meals
• Dairy animals

We've given to Samaritan's Purse for years and I can highly recommend it in case you're looking for a way to bless others this holiday season. And don't just take my word for it, Charity Navigator gives it the highest rating possible (four stars).

One final thought: I know that the economy has been tough on many of you out there (it has on me too!) But compared to 99.9% of the people in the world, anyone reading this is much better off. If you don't believe me, just look at some of the pictures in the Samaritan's Purse website and you'll see what true poverty is. You certainly don't have to give to this charity or any other I recommend, but I am asking you to take time out this holiday season, think about those less fortunate, and give to the charity of your choice to help them.

Comments

[Kevin M]

My son got one of the "Jesus Loves Me" lambs for his baptism. He loves dancing along to the song and watching it sing.

[Gloria]

Thanks for sharing this. I have been aware of Samaritan's Purse and the Christmas shoe boxes for years, but was not aware of this catalog. I like the "honor/memorial card" idea, as I can give in honor of someone else. I have done this in the past, locally, and the honorees loved it.

[Sarah]

Well said, FMF.

[Jeremy]

So, how do you get a hard copy of the catalog? I'd love to do this, but my kids aren't quite ready for surfing the web for products.

[FMF]

Jeremy --

Drop them an email or call them. Here's their contact page:

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Who_We_Are/Contact_Us

[Kathy Vaughan]

I had a new idea to make Christmas more meaningful this year, and I was looking for the Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog website when I found your post. I am sending $10 to each of my Grandchildren who are at least 4 years old (that's 8 of them, ages 4-12), and asking them to give away the money this Christmas in Jesus' name. There are no restrictions on who to give it to, but I am including a few ideas to get them started, including the Samaritan's Purse catalog URL. I was happy to see they have a special page of inexpensive gifts called "Gifts Kids Can Give." I am asking my grandkids to send me back a Star that I am enclosing with the money, with what they have done with the money written on the back, and I will keep these for my Christmas decorations. I am looking forward to seeing what they do to honor Jesus this way.

[FMF]

Kathy --

That's a great idea!