(BPT) - With one year coming to a close and another about to begin, this is the perfect time to reflect on how you've been blessed this year, as well as ways to best live your values going forward. For example, did you know a simple act of generosity today can grow to have a life-changing impact for a family in need in the new year? To mark the end of the year, consider giving a gift that keeps on giving - and growing - throughout the year ahead.
Here are some ideas to help you celebrate the coming of a new year.
1. Give a gift that keeps on giving - and growing
To end your year in an impactful way, consider a donation to World Vision, a global Christian humanitarian organization that offers concrete, long-lasting support to families. One of the ways they carry this out is through life-changing gifts donated through World Vision's Gift Catalog which features hundreds of items ranging from $10 to $15,000. No matter what you chose to give - whether it's emergency food, clothing, school supplies or farm animals, your gift can grow in impact as it equips families with resources to rise above poverty and live fuller lives.
For example, a donation of goats can make a life-changing difference for a family by providing a steady source of nutritious milk or meat - and income from selling their offspring. Or chickens, which offer a steady supply of eggs to help ensure consistent nutrition for children - and lead to more chickens that can be an income source in the future. With each passing day, these gifts can grow in impact to change lives for good!
And animals aren't the only gifts that grow. A donation for a well can become a source of life for an entire community. Gifts supporting education are investments in a child's future. Each gift - given in your name or in the name of a loved one - can support the health and well-being of children and families in need.
2. Read stories of surviving - and thriving
When World Vision launched a food security program in Cuchumatanes mountains of Guatemala, single mom Nicolasa and her two daughters were among those selected to participate. Nicolasa received piglets to raise, along with training that equipped her to start her own business.
"I was trained on how to save, how to set up a business, how to take advantage of investment and resources, and how to lead a normal life," shares Nicolasa. "We did not imagine that we would have so much support from World Vision, but thank God, as you can see, this is the product."
Nicolasa is hard at work raising 12 piglets, along with an additional four pigs that she uses for breeding. From the profits she's saved from pig sales, she's been able to build a sturdy house for her family.
This is only one story among many, and you have the opportunity to help another family like hers to not only survive, but thrive, through your generous gift, like the gift of animals. Read more about Nicolasa and other stories of growth at WorldVision.org.
3. Browse unique, artisan-made gifts for your loved ones any time of year
You can also make a difference by shopping the World Vision Gift Catalog for artisan-made gifts, including the handcrafted gifts featured by World Vision's celebrity supporters. Consider giving to a friend or family member for a birthday or other occasion. For example, you could gift the "Wrapped in Peace" silk scarf featured by Melissa Joan Hart.
Donate to receive a handcrafted gift (for yourself or a loved one!), and your donation goes to the World Vision Fund. This fund helps meet critical needs today and tomorrow - equipping families and their communities with resources and tools to lift themselves out of poverty or recover from a disaster. You can browse a variety of beautiful items at Donate.WorldVision.org/gift-catalog.
4. Learn how World Vision reaches families worldwide
World Vision has a presences in nearly 100 countries, including the U.S., with nearly 75 years of experience working with communities, donors, partners and governments to empower vulnerable children living in the toughest places for better futures.
5. Share the blessings
After you've counted the blessings you and your family received over the holidays, consider giving a gift a family will never forget, an opportunity to transform their family's future, truly expressing the meaning of the season. Learn more about the profound impact these gifts make, and how you can help, by visiting WorldVisionGifts.org.
