This past week, I’ve written two posts that featured dollar bills. I’m really lucky that I have 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 way too much 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. 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.”
vegannurse says
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!
Virginia says
how sweet you are! you inspire me!
Ali says
That was a great post!
and like the other commenters, i’ve been inspired by you as well!
have a great Christmas!
foodfashionfun says
aww! you are SO sweet! This is such an awesom eidea!
Anonymous says
Yay!
lauren says
so kind of you.
Vegyogini says
CCV, you are a wonderful person on so many levels!
Kristie Lynn says
you are so sweet 🙂 and i am de-lurking just to say so!
meghanN says
I love that you are doing this, what a great organization to donate to 🙂
Meg says
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?
Ruby Red Vegan says
you’re so generous! and you’re so right. there’s so much to be thankful for.
loveofoats.com says
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?
Whitney says
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!
Megan says
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).
Juliet says
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…
shelby says
You are so amazing, I love your spirit and generousity.
Grocery Shoppers anonymous?? Count me in!
Abby says
I think I’ll join GrSA also.
Ricki says
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! 🙂
Kersten says
You rock! I’m happy to help you support a charity that is important to you 🙂 Good luck!
Fitnessista says
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!
Amira says
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)
Erin of Care to Eat says
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!
*Andrea* says
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 🙂
CC says
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!
Every Gym's Nightmare says
great way the spread the charity!
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
Eddie G says
Neat 🙂
Josiane says
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!
Vaala says
That is such an awesome idea 🙂
Have a great Christmas…you deserve it!
ChickPea says
Such a great post, Katie! This is a wonderful idea, and I wholeheartedly support this deserving cause.
magpie says
Yayy! You’re awesome 🙂
Brooke says
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!
Emma says
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.
CeciLiA says
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!!!
Aimee says
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:)
Kate says
What a great idea and a wonderful post. Merry Christmas to you!
Katy Delaney says
I hope we can all be inspired by your generosity!
Lauren says
Great post and great idea! This is so wonderful of you! 🙂
TavoLini says
Excellent post and a great reminder to all of us!
Merry Christmas CCV 🙂
Vegan_Noodle says
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.
shellyfish says
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!
Suzanne says
Chaching!!!!
I dig this idea.
Paulina says
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.
Jen says
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).
fitforfree says
What a wonderful cause!
Little Girl's Mom says
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.
Halie says
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!)
Vegan On Stage says
Katie your so wonderful. You are so giving and selfeless.. this is a wonderful thing you are doing!!!
lexi says
you are the nicest person alive!
i lovee your big heart and neverending kindness! have a verry happy christmas!!
Anonymous says
Happy holidays!
Simple and Divine says
MY TWIN! I am always SO proud of you, but even moreso NOW! You're such an ANGEL HEART <3 <3 <3
Anonymous says
beautiful post. Thank you Katie 🙂
HangryPants says
Excellent idea and such a worthy cause.
Lauren says
aww this is so sweet! hope you have an amazing holiday, you deserve it 🙂
Vegetation says
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 😀
ttfn300 says
such a great cause! THANK YOU 🙂
ハリー says
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~!
jane says
awesome idea! so generous of you 🙂
Theresa says
Aw Katie, what a sweet and generous idea! Have a happy christmas!
Emily says
You go girl!
savvy wife says
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!
Krista says
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!
lighterportions says
You are awesome.
Here am I to make you 20 cents poorer. Best of luck with this! 😀
Bethany says
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.
Michael says
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
Anonymous says
Awesome! What a great cause!!
Anonymous says
wonderful idea!
Kiersten says
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!
Joanna says
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!!
Cookiemouse says
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!
The Veggie Guy says
Excellent post! Thank you for posting the links.
Great blog, BTW… I’ve added you to my blogroll.
Happy holidays!
Lee, The Veggie Guy
Katie says
Good for you! Happy Holidays 🙂
Chelsea says
Here I am de-lurking! haha Happy Holidays!!!
Anonymous says
Awesome idea, you’re so generous!
Becca says
What a generous thing you are doing!
Animal-Friendly says
You are so kind. This is a great way to help others and now everyone can do their part!
Jemima says
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
VeganView says
Hope you’re going broke baby! Keep up the good work and happy holidays!
Reeni says
Very well said! Your a sweetie for doing this.
eatingbender says
You’re AMAZING!!
herbstsonne says
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!
Megan says
I love chocolate too ;P
<3 happy holidays!
-megan
Chris says
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!
Laura says
Hello, I’m a lurker 🙂 This is such an awesome idea! Happy Holidays!
sarah says
such a sweet idea!
Anonymous says
great idea – have a fabulous holiday!
Anonymous says
Very wonderful idea!
mainehopie says
Great post – thanks!
DJ says
I’m always happy to lighten somebody’s pockets for a good cause!
aTxVegn says
Very nice, the true spirit of Christmas!
Lily Girl says
This is such a great way to remember the real spirit of the season. Merry Christmas.
Becky says
What a great idea! Happy Holidays!
learningtolisten says
This is amazing! Thank you!!
Katie says
Thank you so much for doing this, Katie!
Janet says
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.
Anonymous says
Dallas Vegan said you were a rockstar! Turns out you are! Love your blog!! Happy Holidays!
Whitney says
I’m leaving another comment…just helping ya inch closer to that 100! You rock!
Jessika says
delurking to pitch in
i love reading your posts every day
Maria says
How awesome.
Pay it forward, right?
LaneD says
awesome!
eatingbirdfood says
Great post.
Danielle says
Happy Holidays Katie! You’re such an amazing person 🙂
Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter) says
Thanks for doing this. Very giving of you.
P.S. Where do Grocery Shoppers Anonymous meetings take place? I need to attend 🙂
Claudia says
Great idea – love it! So here’s my comment. 🙂
River says
Sorry I’m late!! You are such a kind and generous person, I love this post!
Anonymous says
wonderful post
vegalicious says
You’ve reached 100! Sweeet! Here’s my comment 😀
Erin says
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.
Melisser; the Urban Housewife says
You are awesome for doing this! Happy Holidays!
healthy ashley says
What a fantastic cause! Here’s my post!
lauren says
great idea – happy holiday!
Karla says
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 🙂
Veg-a-Nut says
Wonderful idea and may you be blessed for your caring and sensitive spirit and heart!
Anonymous says
Ye ah!
strongandhealthy says
Wow, this a great idea! Good for you!
Anonymous says
This is a great idea! Good luck!
Neva says
I’m delurking. What a wonderful idea. I wish you much success with it.
I ♥ puggies says
You’re such a sweet person. This is very generous of you.
Allison says
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
Anonymous says
Great idea! Great Blog!
liz
maybepigscanfly says
We need more people like you in this world of ours. THANK YOU!
Anonymous says
very inspiring. thanks katie.
jiaying says
merry belated xmas.. and happy new year in advance! (:
Lisa -- Cravin' Veggies says
Fantastic idea!!
Hope you had a great holiday!!
jessy says
what a wonderfully awesome idea! i love it!
yay!
hope your holiday was the best!
Sanja says
What a lovely idea! What a great organization to donate to.
Anonymous says
Great idea!
ariel says
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!
laci says
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! =)
Emma the Eco-Princess! says
Sorry Katie but I’m making you 20 cents poorer! =)
kirsten says
that’s so nice of you! Good luck, I hope you get all the comments you need 🙂
Anonymous says
Just wanted to say I enjoy reading your blog and it’s awesome that you are donating money to a good charity:D
MizFit says
you
area
awesome.
Anonymous says
yay for making a difference where you can!
Anonymous says
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.
lycheelust says
good for you! happy new year!
Sarah says
I’m happy to leave you a comment. Keep up the good fight!
J.J. says
I think this is a great thing you are doing. I love donating for charity and so I hope my comment helps!!
whatawalnut says
What a great idea! Hope you have a happy new year!
Bex says
Almost to the 150 comment goal. You are so great for doing this. Definitely inspiring!
Anonymous says
Happy New Year!
sweetpotato says
How did I miss this post before? This is very lovely of you, Katie!
Anonymous says
Thanks for introducing me to the Enough Project!
Anonymous says
great idea!
Kate says
Can i comment twice? Great idea!!
Becky says
I think this is a great idea! Love the blog!
Kiki says
You’re so generous! Great cause too. Happy New Year!
Anonymous says
go you!!
sorry i’m a lurker =(
Every Gym's Nightmare says
Gah! I cant believe i forgot to comment on this post!
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
Jasmine says
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!
Melody Polakow says
I think this will make 150!
Colleen says
YAY! 151… 🙂
Anonymous says
Go Katie, go!
-Sima
Lisa says
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!
lisa says
what a beautiful gift you are giving. thank you for your generosity.
Erica says
Great work- great cause, you rock!
glidingcalm says
awesome job Katie!!
Melissa says
What a wonderful thing to do! 🙂
Anonymous says
happy new year!
Mona says
good idea
Susan says
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!
Alisa says
Am I too late?! Happy New Year!
my5cents says
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.
Rika says
Happy New Years, you’re truly a beautiful person 🙂
eatme_delicious says
What a wonderful idea. =)
Lynne says
Fantastic idea! Such a lovely thing to do. 🙂