Today I walked up and down Fifth Avenue in NYC — in and out of Henry Bendel’s, up and down the stairs to the top floors of Tiffany’s and back down to Rockefeller Center. The streets were jammed. Driving through the Lincoln Tunnel this morning a woman’s voice kept breaking into my classic rock radio station to announce a holiday shoppers’ gridlock alert.
She wasn’t kidding! There should have been a pedestrian gridlock alert, too. The foot traffic in front of  Saint Patrick’s Cathedral was ankle-to-ankle deep, and the visitors with their cell phones and cameras snapping pictures created obstacles for strollers, business people, and sports walkers alike.
The most crowded shopping spots on the street by far were the sidewalk vendors selling $10 cashmere pashmina scarves. The closest competition? The $5 pashmina man.
And then there were the dozens of Salvation Army men and women in red, standing next to their buckets and ringing their bells. They were right beside the people with modest glass jars set on makeshift tables, who were asking shoppers to help the homeless.
“A penny, a nickel, a dime — that’s all it takes to make a difference,” one advocate bleated into the madding crowd. I didn’t see anyone stop. But I’m sure those of us with nice homes, fabulous clothes, not to mention jobs, kitchens, food, and a place to sleep at night will be thinking of those less fortunate this year for the holidays. Not to mention those for whom walking isn’t exactly a sport or a pastime or even an elective, but a necessity…shoes optional, of course, just in case you don’t have shoes.
Which brings me to this fantastic site I came across recently. It’s called Build a Nest, and it’s a chance for those of us who have so much to give gifts that support women artisans in developing nations. My favorite are the microloans - tiny amounts of money that women use to grow businesses that support themselves, their families, and sometimes enrich their entire villages.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t be out walking on Fifth Avenue — and shopping — this time of year. I’m justing saying that I’ve been thinking about what I really want for the holidays this year, and it’s a little more gratitude, compassion, and caring in my own corner of the world. And under my own holiday tree.
I’m putting Build a Nest, and Heiffer International on my list to Santa. And I’m donating to a local group that will give my gift to a single-mom so she can give her teenager some simple things like a gift certificate to the Quick Check where kids go for lunch, and the movie theather, where they go to stay out of trouble.
How about you? Please share your compassionate Christmas gift suggestions with us.
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I always used to give money to the salvation army until I found out how homophobic they are. They actually closed up shop in San Francisco (that is they turned down contracts to provide for the needy and homeless) rather than follow the city non discrimination guidelines.
Yes, I know religious organizations can discriminate if they want to but not with tax payers money which is why the city refused to do business with them. They can still stand out side stores and ring their bell but they will never get money from a lot of people who used to give generously.
There is also a group of people who always wear white when standing outstide stores and I have read that they do not turn over much of the money that is collected. I do not know much about them but they may be on the up and up. but I do not give to them.
I do however give to amnesty international, the ACLU, and oxfam all of which I believe have good reputations for handling their funds.
I think you have a wonderful idea, and I truly believe in helping people who are less fortunate. I give all year around BUT to people around me or friends of friends who know someone who needs food, clothes etc. Maybe I shouldn’t have,but I got discouraged years ago when I saw girl-guide, church going leaders collect can goods for the poor and when you visited their house, the basement was packed with these items to use for themselves. I gave clothes until I found out the people who work there take the best for themselves and put the free donations up for sale. They have a million dollar building. Unicef, 90 percent stays in the country to pay for the building, offices, secretaries, 10 percent goes to the other country and the people get ONE percent. The person running the country has his own runway and airport, and his own golf course. I truly believe charity begins at home and most people know but overlook the poor person near you stuggling to survive, bring up their children and not making ends meet. I say, look around you, open your eyes and your heart, you might be very surprised.
Great post, Laurie. Thanks for the information. I love the clarity of your thought, and look forward to reading your books. Best to you!
I cannot remember the name of the organization at the moment, but what you do is buy a goat, or a cow that is given to a poor family. This way they have milk and cheese every day.
Hi – yes, that’s Heiffer Internation, I have the link above. – Laurie