Here
it is, Christmas Eve. If you’re still looking for gifts like I am, how about
giving a donation online? Charitable donations make the best last-minute gifts
because they’re so convenient and giving them feels great, too.
There are lots of opportunities for charitable donations, such as Heifer International, which allows you to donate a goat or honey bees or a flock of chicks or just a share of these and other farm animals in someone’s honor—to people who can use them to feed their families from the milk, honey or eggs they produce or sell these products for income. I received six of Heifer International catalogs this season, so Heifer International is on my eleventh-hour radar.
Or check out GiveBack.org, which allows you to give to charity all year long. This new site provides cash back to give to charity for any item you buy from its nearly 500 online affiliated retailers, such as Apple, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Macy’s, Nike and Wal-Mart. Merchants direct 2 to 40 percent of an item’s purchase price to the foundation account you set up on Giveback.org.
Shoppers choose their charity from an IRS database of 501 (3) (c) corporations, ranging from local food banks, shelters and homework clubs to national medical research foundations to global relief groups, including Heifer International. You can book airline tickets, rental cars and hotels through the site as well, which generates a contribution to your charitable giving account. It’s an easy way to create your own charitable foundation.
At the end of the year, you’ll receive a report for tax filing. The GiveBack Shopping site also features daily shopping specials and free shipping offers. For more information, visit them here.
