December Foodie PenPals Charity Edition

Foodie PenPal reveal posts usually come at the end of the month, but this is a special month. For the month of December, Lindsay over at The Lean Green Bean switched the program up a bit - instead of sending a Foodie PenPals box, she encouraged us to donate to charity instead. So I'm writing a little early with the hope that I can inspire some of you to do something charitable this season (or any season!). Lindsay's suggestion was donating what we would have spent on the Program to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. A great cause, but I decided to do something a little different. I took the money I would have spent on a package and shipping and bought groceries to donate to the local food bank.

Looking for another way to give? Check out some of these ideas:

• Organize or participate in a Gingerbread House Auction where proceeds go to charity.
• Donate to your local humane society or SPCA - even if you can't afford a large financial contribution, they can always use toys, food, litter, etc. Give them a call and ask for a wishlist.
• Donate a toy to a needy child. If money is an issue, volunteer yourself as a gift-wrapper instead.
• Send a note of appreciation to your local fire or police station - optional: include a coffee gift card.
• Visit Canada's Write to the Troops message board and leave an encouraging note.

Giving isn't just for Christmas. Here are some ideas to carry you into the new year:

• February 25 is National Cupcake Day for Humane Societies and OSPCAs. Bake or buy cupcakes to support them. More information can be found here.
•  Volunteer with your favourite organization
• Adopt an animal - either a real one or a stuffed creature from the World Wildlife Fund
• Leave random notes of thanks or support for family, friends, neighbours or other members of your community
• And don't forget, people eat all year, not just at Christmas. Support your local food bank year-round!

However you give back, you're making the world a better place, one small gesture at a time.