TOPIC: Giving -- It is Better Than Receiving
With Christmas upon us, many organizations are making appeals for donations. If you're like many Americans, you don't have a lot of extra greenbacks hanging out in the bank waiting for you to write a check. If that statement hits your nail on the head, read on...
There are numerous ways beyond the traditional methods to support your favorite charity or non-profit group — many of which are available free of charge. Here are a few options, (originally found on the National Fibromyalgia Foundation website), to consider:

American Express: The GivingExpress program from American Express connects cardholders to thousands of nonprofit organizations and offers multiple ways to donate, from donating dollars with your American Express card to redeeming Membership Rewards points to make a donation. For information, click here.

Cars 4 Causes: Donate your used vehicle to raise money for charity and qualify for an IRS tax deduction through this nationwide car donation program. Click here for information or call 800.766.2273.

Food 4 Less (Southern CA, NV, IL, IN) and Food Cos. (Central and Northern CA): A percentage of your purchase goes to a specified nonprofit organization each time you shop for groceries and swipe your Community Rewards card. Call 800.443.4438 or click here for more information.

Firstgiving: Raise money online for any nonprofit organization in the US, using a simple template. Send it with a personal message to family and friends to ask for support for a walk, run or bike ride, growing an embarrassing mustache, or any other reason you can think of. Information: click here.

GoodSearch: GoodSearch, which is powered by Yahoo, is a search engine that donates 50 percent of its revenue to the charity designated by its users. The money GoodSearch donates to your cause comes from its advertisers. There is no cost to the users or the nonprofit organization. Information: click here.

iGive: Shop online at more than 680 stores and up to 26 percent of each purchase will be given to your designated charity. Information: click here.

JustGive: This nonprofit organization works to increase charitable giving by connecting people with the charities and causes they care most about. It also provides unique ways to support your cause, such as its Charity Gift Certificate and Charity Wedding Registry programs. Information: click here.

MissionFish: Donate all or a portion of your proceeds from an eBay sale to your favorite nonprofit by listing your items with eBay Giving Works. Information: click here.

Network for Good: For a gift that gives again and promotes charity, the Network for Good offers the Good Card. This gift card for charity allows recipients to donate to their charity of choice.Information: 866.650.4636 or click here.

Non-profit Shopping Mall: Consumers can shop online at dozens of stores through this site and make a donation to their favorite charity with every purchase. Simply select a nonprofit to support and begin shopping. The retailers listed on the site determine their contribution level, with the percentage fully disclosed on the mall pages. Information: click here.

Ralphs: Earn money for a participating charitable organization as you shop for groceries through Ralph’s Community Contributions program. Information: click here.

GOOD STUFF!