c. 2004 Religion News Service
A Sampling of online religious resources for alternative giving:
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
The famous evangelist’s organization offers alternative gifts, including Christian literature in Braille and donations to an emergency fund to help pastors comfort families continuing to cope with the aftermath of hurricanes that hit Florida earlier this year.
Catholic Extension
This Chicago-based nonprofit supports Catholic churches in poor and rural areas across the country, providing a wish list of their needs, which range from Bibles and vestments to renovated restrooms.
_ http://www.catholic-extension.org
Church World Service
This ecumenical relief organization uses Build a Village, an animated Web site, to teach children about projects that help provide food or shelter for those in need. It also provides ways to build Heart-to-Heart Kids Kits, which include toys and toiletries for needy children. Both can be given as alternative gifts.
_ http://www.churchworldservice.org
Lutheran World Relief
This relief agency offers “gift squares” on an online “community quilt” that draw attention to international projects relating to HIV/AIDS, education, water and other topics.
WorldServe Ministries
This Dallas-area ministry offers donors a small glass ornament, devotional book and prayer card so the person in whose name they give a gift can better remember the plight of persecuted pastors in China.
_ http://www.thelightsofchristmas.org
KRE/JL END RNS
