Good Deed Friday: Toys for Tots Time

I know, I know. Everyone thinks it's despicable how a bunch of played out holiday music floods the supermarket aisles the moment those last few Halloween edition dark chocolate MilkyWays are whisked off the shelves. I however, am a Christmas enthusiast.

I think there's plenty of room for clearance vampire fangs and overpriced twinkle lights—especially if buying both helps me earn a free Thanksgiving turkey with $100 worth of qualifying purchases. 

I won't get in to my particular obsession with Mariah Carey's Christmas album or the ceremonial viewing of a VHS of taped TV specials my mom made back in the day (California Raisins' Christmas Special, anyone?). The point is that I love the pine tree-scented magic of the holidays, artificial or not. It all contributes to the same outcome, a general atmosphere of charity. 

Not that we shouldn't be charitable year-round, but who doesn't feel extra warm and fuzzy with the influx of coat and food drives in your neighborhood, or the chance to choose a toy for the local Toys for Tots drive? And what about sending out holiday greeting cards?  

This year you can do a little extra by getting special, cute holiday cards from Vistaprint and they'll donate 50% of the price to the Marine Toys for Tots foundation, which collects and distributes new toys to kids in need.

This is just one of many do-good opportunities that are bound to pop up in the next couple of months. Even if you dread the holidays, and Christmas in particular, be on the lookout for great ways to give back, and leave us a comment about your discoveries, so we can spread the spirit.

Photo via. 

Comments

[Emily]

We agree that the holidays are an extra special time to be charitable. At Baking for Good, we're whipping up batches of delicious, all-natural, made-to-order holiday treats that are perfect gifts for friends and family near and far. And 15% of every purchase goes to a charity the customer chooses, from national nonprofits to local school groups. It's good to be sweet!

http://bakingforgood.com.

[A.O.K]

Hasbro and G.I Joe Toys for Tots
http://www.toysfortots.org/news/details.asp?nNewsID=10

[Michelle Morton]

My son's travel baseball team and parents and coaches will be spending the day tomorrow turning a warehouse into a winterwonderland for a local orphanage