"SEASON" IS SUCH A USEFUL WORD. We have the Four Seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter. There are the Seasons of our Lives, which probably can be enumerated in many different ways. We have Little League and baseball season, soccer season, basketball season and football season. And then there is fishing season and hunting season. There's the growing season, and harvest season. The list can go on.
Along with some of the seasons listed above, we are now upon the Holiday Season. Next week, we will be thankful.
Following that, it 'tis the season to be . . . joyful, cheerful, and GIVING.
For most of us, it is always the season to be giving because it is a philosophy and way of life that many have chosen for each and every day. Small and large acts of kindness abound, each and every one making a difference in some way. We all have our favorite charities and ways to give service. Giving is a way of getting back within one's heart and spirit.
We all come here to ActiveRain and give of ourselves, and take away so much from all that others have given!!
But, for purposes of this post, we are coming upon the "Official Season of Giving."
Each of us has traditions and customs for the Holiday Season and the "Official Season of Giving."
Mine is to not just give the material gifts wrapped up in gift cards or wrapping paper and ribbons, but also to give to those I will never personally know - the gift of a small animal to raise for food or income, warm 
blankets, vaccinations, and so many other things. Another way I enjoy giving is to give on behalf of someone else and in their name.
For today, my act of service and giving is to share with all of you some of my favorite ways to give - with links.
It is my hope and wish that I have many visitors who in turn will post a response with the name of a favorite charity or service organization.
What I've learned most about ActiveRain is the great spirit of all its participants - their generosity, kindness, spirit of sharing and of giving.
I will be thankful next week for stumbling upon ActiveRain and, also, for the good fortune of being able to give back to the world a bit of all that has been given to me.
MY LIST OF FAVS
The World Ark - Turning a life of hunger and poverty into one of self-reliance and independence. Giving families a hand-up, not just a hand-out. http://www.Heifer.org
The Salvation Army - Ways to Give The Salvation Army - Ways to Give
The Jane Goodall Institute:
Unicef has many ways to donate - vaccinations, warm blankets, clean water - so many ideas!
SAVE THE CHILDREN -Again, so many programs of giving, and you can sponsor a child. I and my granddaughter sponsor a child in Africa together.
The Sumba Foundation - Committed to lessening the effects of poverty on the island of Sumba.
Arms of Love - Establishes and operates homes that provide long-term care for orphaned, abandoned and abused children in a family environment.
Join My Village - A new approach to fighting global poverty through the empowerment of women and girls.
Smile Train - Give the Gift of a Smile!
PLEASE share your favorite names of charities and service organizations, or your customs and traditions of giving.
All of us here at ActiveRain can help raise the world a bit "higher" on that scale of peace & prosperity.
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