All I want for Christmas
This past week, I’ve written two posts that featured dollar bills. I’m really lucky that I have an abundance of these dollar bills at my disposal (the real ones, not Henry Dollars!). Plus, I have a loving family, two cute puppies, a big, warm house, all sorts of newfangled electronic gadgets, and waaaay too much yummy vegan food stockpiled in my fridge, freezer, and cabinets (Grocery-Shoppers Anonymous, anyone?).
But many people aren’t so fortunate. It seems one can’t pick up a newspaper or flip on the tv these days without hearing about immense suffering somewhere. Hurricanes, earthquakes, robberies, illness… it can get overwhelming, because, if you’re like me, you want to help them ALL! The problem with this is that, too often, people will get so overwhelmed at the vastness of the suffering that they’ll choose to do nothing because they can’t help with everything (I’ve been guilty of this too). Please don’t fall into this trap! Sure, you’re just one person, and you can’t do everything; but ANYthing is better than nothing. So I challenge you, this Christmas season, to pick one or two causes that are close to your heart and try to do something to help them— remember that help need not be in the form of a monetary donation. Serving food at a soup kitchen, volunteering to walk local shelter dogs, offering to help stock a food pantry, driving an elderly neighbor to the grocery store… all of these are great ways to help “save the world.” Another thing you can do is, when someone asks you what you want for Christmas, tell him/her to make a donation to charity in your name. This year, I told my grandma I wanted her to take the money she would’ve spent on me and make a donation to the Catskill Animal Sanctuary (near her home). Well, my sister and cousins are all getting Uggs from Grandma, so you can bet those lucky animals have a big, fat check comin’ their way 
) ). And I can’t say I didn’t get a present out of the donation—it feels GREAT to know I’ve helped out the animals. As Phoebe says on Friends, “There’s no such thing as a completely selfless act.”
Speaking of ways to help out, many of you have probably already read about the “comment donation drives” going on at the HangryPants and Mizfit blogs. These selfless ladies are donating money for every comment left on the posts I’ve linked above. So if you haven’t already commented on their sites, get to it!
I love their idea, so I thought I’d join in the fun with a comment drive of my own. A charity that is very near and dear to my heart is the ENOUGH Project , which is an organization trying to help end genocide in Sudan and other areas. (Someday, hopefully in the next month, I’ll write a post about my AfriCard charity.) For every comment left on this post (one per person), I will donate 20 cents (from now until New Year’s Day). Comments can be short, long, whatever. Lurkers delurk! Make me poor, people!
What a great post, Katie! And what a great idea, too!
You are such an amazing person that you want to help others in need…
you’ve inspired me to do something, too!
Wishin’ you and your loved ones a happy holiday!
how sweet you are! you inspire me!
That was a great post!
and like the other commenters, i’ve been inspired by you as well!
have a great Christmas!
aww! you are SO sweet! This is such an awesom eidea!
Yay!
so kind of you.
CCV, you are a wonderful person on so many levels!
you are so sweet
and i am de-lurking just to say so!
I love that you are doing this, what a great organization to donate to
What a great cause! Thanks for the invite to the vegan potluck this past Saturday. I would have loved to make it, but I had a family event to attend. Are we still on for after the holidays?
you’re so generous! and you’re so right. there’s so much to be thankful for.
katie – you are simply too sweet and so thoughtful – not to be cliche (because it is completely true) but if everyone thought the way you did – can you imagine how great the world would be?
CCV…you rock! I am so touched by the amount of people who are using their blogs to do a lot of good in the world this holiday season. It’s truly inspirational! Happy Holidays!
its SUCH a good feeling making things good for other people; bravo for you!
and grocery shoppers anonymous? I think I happen to be the founder/CEO/President/most intense addict of the entire group! i loove grocery stores (and the things in them, of course).
Thank you for the post. Very inspiring. I think you hit the nail on the head when you say that we often are frozen in inaction because we can’t help everyone…
You are so amazing, I love your spirit and generousity.
Grocery Shoppers anonymous?? Count me in!
I think I’ll join GrSA also.
What a fabulous idea, Katie. Good luck with this drive–of course I hope you get tons of comments, but NOT that they make you poor!
Have a wonderful holiday!
You rock! I’m happy to help you support a charity that is important to you
Good luck!
what an amazing and beautiful post. so true- i’m also guilty of not helping because i get overwhelmed and frustrated that i can’t help with everything. that’s for reminding me that a little can go a long way.
have a wonderful night!
wow that was such a great post and i am feeling particularly charitable now, what a great Christmas idea!
P.S i love that Friends episode (lol when she let the bee sting her)
I am 100% with you. More support for the fact that we are indeed soul sistahs. This was our first year giving donations instead of presents and it was amazing!!
What a thoughtful and wonderful post. You know we’ll link you. THanks for the reminder that all the good things add up!
1. i love that episode of friends!!! especially when phoebe let a bee sting her on purpose, thinking it was a selfless act, until joey told her that it probably died after
2. you should read the book ‘The 7 Faces of Philanthropy’ its really easy read but talks about the different reasons people give to charities help others. very interesting! but i agree with you giving is very rewarding and regardless of the motive is greatly needed in today’s world.
3. you are amazing! thanks for the great post
great post and so, so true! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the suffering in the world, but each of us have our own purpose and can make a difference! The small things add up.. Same idea as behind vegetarianism, no? happy holidays!
great way the spread the charity!
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
Neat
I started reading your blog a couple of days ago, and I must say you’ve found a wonderful way to make me comment for the first time here!
Happy holidays!
That is such an awesome idea
Have a great Christmas…you deserve it!
Such a great post, Katie! This is a wonderful idea, and I wholeheartedly support this deserving cause.
Yayy! You’re awesome
katie, you are such a loving and generous girl! thank you for the reminder in this wonderful post. reaching out to others is what the holidays are all about!
i am volunteering over break and i can’t help but feel great afterwards
any little bit helps, just remember to pay it forward!
A brilliant and thoughful post. It is easy to forget about those less fortunate at this time of year as we are often not reminded enough of how lucky most of us really are.
You are so sweet to donate money to such good causes and it must be nice knowing that your money is really going to be spent where it is needed.
Wohooooo … lets make CCV broke!!!
Nah, kidding!! Just wanted to let you know that you are an AMAZING girl … your heart must indeed be CHOCOLATE covered!!!! Yummmm …. I mean *shakes head* NOTHING!!! HAHAHA!!
Nehoos, I prob won't be back from my trip till mid Jan … so have A GREAT CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR MY FRIEND <33333333 ya so so so so so much!!!
You are a great person Katie.
I really love this time of year, where I can give to others (not only friends and family, but charities that can really use the help).
Stay wonderful:)
What a great idea and a wonderful post. Merry Christmas to you!
I hope we can all be inspired by your generosity!
Great post and great idea! This is so wonderful of you!
Excellent post and a great reminder to all of us!
Merry Christmas CCV
What a great way to celebrate the holiday season! I think you are awesome for remembering others during this time of year… something everyone should do more of.
Right on CCV! As Garfield says so well, “It’s not the giving or the getting, it’s the loving.”
This is the first time I’ve quoted the cat since I was in the 4th grade when I used to say “big, fat, hairy deal” much of the time.
Happy Holidays Special K!
Chaching!!!!
I dig this idea.
I’m the type of person that feels so overwhelmed by all the problems facing our world. It’s nice to know that I can choose one or two things to focus on.
woah, i had some serious catching up to do. what a great idea for the holiday season. if christmas doesn’t fall on shabbat, our congregation helps out at a homeless shelter every year and puts on their annual christmas brunch buffet. all the food looks great. how did you make kale chips? i signed on to foodbuzz-(thanks for the suggestion).
What a wonderful cause!
I’ll “de-lurk” to help out. It’s so great of you to do this.
We’re so tight this year that some of our usual giving has been cut short. This is an easy way that I can still help out. We also served at a church Thanksgiving dinner–a way to help that didn’t cost money.
Take care.
Good for you, you are very sweet. I hope your efforts are successful!
(You made me smile when you mentioned Phoebe from Friends! I remember that episode! She let a bee sting her so the bee would look good in front of his bee friends! And she pledged money to PBS even though she hated it!)
Katie your so wonderful. You are so giving and selfeless.. this is a wonderful thing you are doing!!!
you are the nicest person alive!
i lovee your big heart and neverending kindness! have a verry happy christmas!!
Happy holidays!
MY TWIN! I am always SO proud of you, but even moreso NOW! You're such an ANGEL HEART <3 <3 <3
beautiful post. Thank you Katie
Excellent idea and such a worthy cause.
aww this is so sweet! hope you have an amazing holiday, you deserve it
You are so right, sometimes it can get very overwhelming. Good on you for donating with every comment you get
And just in case I don’t “see” you again before tomorrow, Happy Christmas 
such a great cause! THANK YOU
Lurker delurking, here. I love your blog, and you’ve definitely been an inspiration for me to start inching from vegetarian to vegan. This is such a sweet idea, too.
Happy holidays, CCV~!
awesome idea! so generous of you
Aw Katie, what a sweet and generous idea! Have a happy christmas!
You go girl!
Great post! I work in nonprofit and I wish more people were both 1)doing something to get involved with the fantastic nonprofits out there who are using your invenstments effectively and 2)motivating everyone else in a positive way (nothing like a “shame on you” to lose people’s attention!). Atta girl!
Your so thoughtful! I agree, Christmas isn’t all about money and gifts – it’s about family, giving, and the joy of Christ. I always ask for donations for my Christmas list, too, whether it be hunger causes, animal welfare, or environmental, etc. I wish you the best in your charity work and pray you have a great Christmas!
You are awesome.
Here am I to make you 20 cents poorer. Best of luck with this!
Awesome and very generous. May there be comments a plenty.
Once I am no longer snowbound, I will go to the foodbank and donate some canned goods.
I know I haven’t left a comment lately, I’ve been so incredibly busy. Finally have some free time. Nothing has warmed my heart like this post has. I really didn’t know women in Dallas like you existed. It feels like we live in a mini california. I have to cats , both rescued , they’re brothers. I hope this isn’t out of the question but like I said I don’t know all to many vegans in dallas. And lately I just feel so out of place.
Is there anyway we could keep in touch via email? Or even texting lol, yes I know lame but it’s so awesome.
mgeller87@live.com … I’ll understand if you don’t email me. But I’ll be looking forward to it.
~Misha
Awesome! What a great cause!!
wonderful idea!
You are such a kind and selfless person Katie. It’s so nice to know that there are people like you out in this world.
Merry Christmas!
katie, this is so nice of you!! we raised money for this genocide at my school. it’s really unfortunate and just sickening.
i hope you raise a lot of money for this!!
CCV, you are a kind and inspiring spirit. You are also right that small acts of kindness all help. Love on ya! Have a lovely Christmas!
Excellent post! Thank you for posting the links.
Great blog, BTW… I’ve added you to my blogroll.
Happy holidays!
Lee, The Veggie Guy
Good for you! Happy Holidays
Here I am de-lurking! haha Happy Holidays!!!
Awesome idea, you’re so generous!
What a generous thing you are doing!
You are so kind. This is a great way to help others and now everyone can do their part!
Aah Katie I thought I had commented on this last night but clearly my Gran’s tempermental internet connection didn’t publish it. I think that’s a fantastic idea and like others have said, you’ve inspired me to think of a similar way I can help out – I think I’ll organise something in the New Year – a bake sale? XD xxxx
Hope you’re going broke baby! Keep up the good work and happy holidays!
Very well said! Your a sweetie for doing this.
You’re AMAZING!!
Katie that is just too nice of you, you amaze me every day!
Happy happy holidays to you and your family from me and the sis!
I love chocolate too ;P
<3 happy holidays!
-megan
Officially de-lurking! I love your blog, and what a great idea to give back like you are!
Have a very healthy, happy Christmas and New Years!
Hello, I’m a lurker
This is such an awesome idea! Happy Holidays!
such a sweet idea!
great idea – have a fabulous holiday!
Very wonderful idea!
Great post – thanks!
I’m always happy to lighten somebody’s pockets for a good cause!
Very nice, the true spirit of Christmas!
This is such a great way to remember the real spirit of the season. Merry Christmas.
What a great idea! Happy Holidays!
This is amazing! Thank you!!
Thank you so much for doing this, Katie!
What a wonderful idea! And you’re almost at your goal of 100 comments. I’m sure you’ll get more than that though.
I’ve never heard of the ENOUGH project, so thank you for spreading the word about it. There are so many causes and this one is definitely worthy of some attention.
I’m looking forward to hearing about the AfriCard charity too.
Dallas Vegan said you were a rockstar! Turns out you are! Love your blog!! Happy Holidays!
I’m leaving another comment…just helping ya inch closer to that 100! You rock!
delurking to pitch in
i love reading your posts every day
How awesome.
Pay it forward, right?
awesome!
Great post.
Happy Holidays Katie! You’re such an amazing person
Thanks for doing this. Very giving of you.
P.S. Where do Grocery Shoppers Anonymous meetings take place? I need to attend
Great idea – love it! So here’s my comment.
Sorry I’m late!! You are such a kind and generous person, I love this post!
wonderful post
You’ve reached 100! Sweeet! Here’s my comment
What a great post! Here’s my comment for ya! Soon as I’m a bit more financially stable I’m definitely going to start donating again myself.
You are awesome for doing this! Happy Holidays!
What a fantastic cause! Here’s my post!
great idea – happy holiday!
What a great idea! I found you through the eating bender blog and wanted to help out. I visited Tanzania last year and it was quite an enlightening experience. Life in Africa is quite different from America! Thanks for your generous idea and inspiration
Wonderful idea and may you be blessed for your caring and sensitive spirit and heart!
Ye ah!
Wow, this a great idea! Good for you!
This is a great idea! Good luck!
I’m delurking. What a wonderful idea. I wish you much success with it.
You’re such a sweet person. This is very generous of you.
Katie, you are such an inspiration to me…and such a sweetheart. You make me want to reach out to those in need and do anything I can, even if it's just hosting a bakesale!, to help. I have definitely been guilty of not doing anything because there was just SO much that needed to be done to help others. But not anymore…I'm getting my little booty off my chair and taking action
LOVE you girl. I hope you had a very Merry Christmas<3
Great idea! Great Blog!
liz
We need more people like you in this world of ours. THANK YOU!
very inspiring. thanks katie.
merry belated xmas.. and happy new year in advance! (:
Fantastic idea!!
Hope you had a great holiday!!
what a wonderfully awesome idea! i love it!
yay!
hope your holiday was the best!
What a lovely idea! What a great organization to donate to.
Great idea!
I meant to leave a comment here last week, but it looks like I forgot to. What a wonderful idea. Please do write about your AfriCard charity soon– I’m very interested to learn about it!
I hope that you and your family are having a very happy holiday!
Katie-
This was fabulous! I donated about thirt almost new books to my health food store which had a childrens charity basket for people to leave goods in fresh condition to donate for the less fortunate. I also adopted a chicken from PETA for christmas, but my mum still consumes them =( Thank you for the lovely opportunity! Here’s 20 more cents to donate! =)
Sorry Katie but I’m making you 20 cents poorer! =)
that’s so nice of you! Good luck, I hope you get all the comments you need
Just wanted to say I enjoy reading your blog and it’s awesome that you are donating money to a good charity:D
you
area
awesome.
yay for making a difference where you can!
You have such a kind heart! Thank you for doing this. I hope you can reach your goal of 150 comments by New Years! Good Luck.
good for you! happy new year!
I’m happy to leave you a comment. Keep up the good fight!
I think this is a great thing you are doing. I love donating for charity and so I hope my comment helps!!
What a great idea! Hope you have a happy new year!
Almost to the 150 comment goal. You are so great for doing this. Definitely inspiring!
Happy New Year!
How did I miss this post before? This is very lovely of you, Katie!
Thanks for introducing me to the Enough Project!
great idea!
Can i comment twice? Great idea!!
I think this is a great idea! Love the blog!
You’re so generous! Great cause too. Happy New Year!
go you!!
sorry i’m a lurker =(
Gah! I cant believe i forgot to comment on this post!
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
wow, youve got me thinking about how much I took for granted this past year..makes me think about making another new years resolution! anyhow, kudos to you on such a sweet idea!
I think this will make 150!
YAY! 151…
Go Katie, go!
-Sima
Wow, can’t believe I didn’t post earlier. Thought I did, but not.
And now you have to shell out 40 cents. Bahaha!
Nice job, Katie! You rock!
what a beautiful gift you are giving. thank you for your generosity.
Great work- great cause, you rock!
awesome job Katie!!
What a wonderful thing to do!
happy new year!
good idea
What a fabulous and generous idea. I hope this is in time – it is New Year’s afternoon here in Brisbane, so hopefully it just makes the cut off time.
What a beautiful thought to give something back!
Am I too late?! Happy New Year!
This is a wonderful idea…looks like you will be successful. This year we donated to a food pantry and soup kitchen, a pet refuge and another food pantry for the homeless. It felt so good to give to others.
Happy New Years, you’re truly a beautiful person
What a wonderful idea. =)
Fantastic idea! Such a lovely thing to do.