PSA

'Tis the season of giving. The holiday season brings out the best, the most generous aspects of most of us. And let's be honest, it makes us feel good to know we are giving a child a Christmas morning they might not have had otherwise.

However, we have, relatively recently, given to others in the wake of Katrina and Rita. So, perhaps you cannot "adopt a family" the way you have in the past. Or don't know what to give. Or don't want to be bothered with a toy store or figuring out what's "hot" this year.

Consider this:

* hairbrushes
* full-sized tolietries (toothpaste, deoderant, shampoos, tampons, shaving cream, razors, lotion, aftershave...)
* gift certificates to stores for teenagers (most people forget that the cute 8 year old has a 14 year old sibling)
* underwear
* movie passes
* grocery store/drug store certificates
* wrapping paper, ribbon and tape (sometimes parents like to wrap their children's gifts ~ but don't always get the option)

These are the things that human service agencies need year-round, not just now. Plus, any shelter or human services organization that handles residents or donations will LOVE you so you'll still get that warm fuzzy feeling. I'm not saying Don't give toys or food. Those are wonderful gifts. I'm not meaning to guilt anyone into anything. But, if you are wanting to give something and don't know what that might be or don't have a lot cash to spare this season ~ those are some suggestions from someone who spent 13 years in the field.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.