It’s sometimes almost impossible to figure out what to get everyone in your family for Christmas. Instead of just settling for a random gift card this year, give something that will bless them and others at the same time.

In James 1:27, God gives us a clear picture of what our Christian lives are supposed to look like. We are to be God’s representatives to the world, His hands to give and His feet to go and serve people with the love of the Lord in our hearts.

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. (The Message)

It can be easy to want to have a very “Me Christmas”, with it all about what you want under the tree and how your holiday plans affect your happiness. But, don’t let your heart be selfish this year. Focus it on others.

Here are just a few charities, some lesser know than others, to check out as you decide how to best bless your loved ones and the children and seniors who are in need.

Charities in Need

Orphan’s Promise (Orphans/Adoption)

www.orphanspromise.net

A projected 106 million children under age 15 will lose one or both parents. That's why Terry Meeuwsen, co-host of Living The Life, started Orphan’s Promise. Her mission is to help kids and show the love of Christ by serving them.

Today, the organization is helping countless orphans and vulnerable children around the world by providing:

• academic opportunities;
• healthcare;
• life skills training and mentoring;
• career placement for teenage orphans;
• nutritional feeding programs, and much more.

WorldVision: Program (AIDS Orphans/Poverty)

www.worldvision.org  

Our small minds cannot fathom the immense need in Africa. AIDS is ravaging countless continents, orphaning children, and killing men, women, and children every day. In fact, 12 million African children have lost one or both parents to this deadly disease. On top of that, many of the kids in Africa are malnourished and lack clean drinking water.

World Vision is there responding to the crisis by building a better world for the kids. This Christian relief organization is dedicated to tackling the causes of poverty and helping those who don’t have the means to live a healthy life.

Twilight Wish Foundation (Senior Care)

www.twilightwish.org

Let’s honor the older and wiser generation. Similar to the Make a Wish Foundation, the Twilight Wish Foundation works to make dreams come true for our seniors. They use every resource available to appreciate these extraordinary men and women. It’s our turn to take care of them and say “thank you" by bringing them joy.

The Fuller Center for Housing (Poverty/Housing)

www.fullercenter.org

It’s not right that kids have to sleep in slums and homeless shelters.

Millard Fuller thought so when he started Habitat for Humanity. And he hasn't changed his mind one bit. In 2005, he founded a new charity that works to end substandard housing around the world called The Fuller Center for Housing.

Through blitz builds and other projects in America, Nepal, Nigeria, and Romania, Fuller is continuing the success of Habitat for Humanity. He’s dedicated to reaching his goal of providing a comfortable home to families in every country.

Sparrow Clubs USA (Family Support/Health)

www.sparrowclubs.org

It’s kids helping kids. Sparrow Clubs USA is a non-profit set up to assist children as they meet the needs of other kids who are in medical crisis. The charity connects young community service and fundraising volunteers and families who face the financial stress of life-threatening illnesses or disabilities.

Before you decide what to do in honor of that person on your list, research the charity first. Be informed about how they serve others, including what they do specifically, for whom, and where they are helping those in need.

Also, check and see if they are a reputable organization by checking their status based on independent reports, such as Charity Navigator (go to www.charitynavigator.org for more info).

We are all God’s children. His love for each of us is limitless. So, open your heart to giving to a charity so that others in God’s created world are blessed this year.

Send me your comments!

Hannah Goodwyn currently serves as a producer for LivingTheLife.com and CBN.com. She also writes regularly for these sites, primarily the Entertainment and Daily Life sections. For more articles and info about Hannah, visit her bio page.