Despite our collective whining about the price of gas, food and mortgages, not to mention the cost of our entertainment and toys (which we have not given up) there are children in our country who will not be sharing in the joy this season. In fact, it is tough for them year round. The children of the families who cannot afford the required items for school, health care and the basics for their young lives. Remember the children of our service men and women!

Brown bag it for one day and donate you lunch money to a worthy cause.

You do not have to give a lot of money (unless you want to and can afford it), even a very small amount can do good works and it will make you feel so much better, it will be worth every penny. You can go online, give $5 and smile.

Here is a list of verified charities that have passed the scrutiny of several charity watchdog groups.

1. Special Operations whose mission provides college scholarship grants, financial funding and counseling to children of those in the Special Operations of our Armed Forces who have been killed.
   Founder: Col. Arthur D. “Bull” Simons
2. Accelerate Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis whose mission is to cure MS.

   Co-Founders: Art Mellor (entrepreneur and MS patient) and Dr. Vartanian.

3. The Humane Society of The United States whose mission is to rescue animals from those who are not “humane.”
   President, CEO: Wayne Pacelle
4. Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis, TN whose mission is to provide a safe place to grow and learn.
   Founder: John “Buddie” Thompson
5. America’s Promise Alliance whose mission is to provide healthcare for children, reduce the dropout rate. It is working to help children lead happy,healthy productive lives.
   Founder: Colin Powell
6. National Organization for Rare Disorders whose mission is dedicated to the cure and treatment for those patients with rare diseases.
   Founders: Patients & families of those with “orphan” diseases.
7. Keep America Beautiful whose mission is to create and hands on work to make America cleaner, safer, greener and livable.
   Founders: American civic groups
8. American Hospice Foundation whose mission is to improve access to quality care hospice through public education and training.
   Chairman: Samuel Warburton, MD
9. American Red Cross is America’s premier emergency response organization.
   Founder: Clara Barton
10. Armed Services YMCA whose mission is to provide relief to the Armed Forces
    
    Founder: Volunteer YMCA members