Overheard on . . . NPR

“It is Giving-Tuesday after all.”

Indeed it is… something that almost got overlooked amongst the trillions of emails I have received between Thanksgiving and yesterday. Seriously, no one could actually open all of those emails, could they?

But today I want to. Today I want to open the many emails and Facebook posts and blogger posts and favorite NPR shows and find out about the causes these people most appreciate and support.

Like Benevolent.net, spotlighted this morning on MSNBC: a charity which connects donors directly with those in need. http://www.msnbc.com/thomas-roberts/watch/charity-connects-donors-directly-to-the-needy-79285315965

Or like the call on NPR’s Here and Now from photojournalist to do what you can to help the Syrian children refugee – “A book or whatever.” http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2013/12/03/photographer-syria-portraits I am reminded of the Holiday song by BANDAID which marked my youth, Do They Know It’s Christmastime At All.

For many the idea of Christmas is about what they don’t have, what they can’t give their kids, or the people who are missing from their life. I think I could handle all of the other things…. But having to face a Christmas without my husband or daughter would be impossible. And so, the cause I would like to spotlight is Comfort Zone Camp.

You may know that I am working to organize a fundraiser based on field goal kicking for this organization. This last summer I was fortunate enough to attend a day at one of their camps. Unless you have experienced the loss of a parent or sibling it is nearly impossible to understand the value of this organization. I like to hope my book, UNTANGLING THE KNOT, gives a glimpse into child grief, but I know it pales next to the reality. Still… as we come upon the one year anniversary of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary (Dec. 14th) I can only think of the many children out there who have experienced a loss… maybe not so publicly or so violently, but any Christmas without a loved one is a tragedy.

So today I ask you to do one simple thing for Comfort Zone and for me and for the many kids who need help dealing with their grief – Comfort Zone Camp writes….

"As part of today’s #GivingTuesday you can help Comfort Zone, simply by posting to social media! A generous Comfort Zone supporter has pledged to donate $10 for every single post, pin or tweet that includes @ComfortZoneCamp and #GivingTuesday, up to $5,000!"

For more information on this free way to help link here: http://www.comfortzonecamp.org/givingtuesday

I love the fun of Christmas- the lights and the cookies and the presents. And I especially love that this year I have found #givingtuesday, when I can see through the commercialis, emails and catalogues, and find the real spirit of this holiday season.

Did you tweet or post about Comfort Zone? Leave me a comment to let me know what you said and I will enter you in my new December drawing to give $10 at the end of the month to the charity of choice for one lucky commenter.

And… it is fitting today to pick the November winner of my comment drawing. Thank you Michelle Bombet for your comment on recycling. You are the November winner! Comment here with your charity of choice and I will send them a $10 donation in your name.

Happy Holidays,
Deanne