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Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season, so why not give thanks and give back with 10 philanthropic gift ideas ideal for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community? The recent lesbian cruise run by Sweet instilled many in the community with a sense of volunteerism, so here's a quick guide on how to give!
The holiday shopping season is in full swing and we’re all looking for the perfect gift for that special person. If another sweater or a gift card or some sexy lingerie don’t seem to hit the mark, consider one of these ideas to show you care and make the world a better place at the same time. And OK … you may still want to get the sexy lingerie, too!
1. Download a copy of the Human Rights Campaign Buying for Equality 2010. Use it to make informed purchases this holiday season and support businesses that support the LGBT community.
2. Contact your local LGBT organizations and see what they need … Make a donation or volunteer to help on a project.
3. Check with your local Metropolitan Community Church. During the holiday season they have food drives, toy collections, and other activities that benefit the LGBT community.
4. Continue the work that Sweet volunteers started on their Caribbean cruise. Make sure you let the organizations know that Sweet sent you!
Belize -- Send English language books for children and / or adults and school supplies and other educational materials to:
Fabrigas Belize Limited
Attn: Andree King, Hand Wash Hand
2 3/4 Miles, Western Highway
Belize City, Belize
Contact Karen@baytrustbelize.com for more information.
Roatan e-learning center -- Cam O'Brien, cam@bibr.com, (504) 9657-9457
5. Adopt a gay family in need – a holiday meal, toys for kids, clothes and living essentials are welcome gifts.
6. Do something nice for LGBT senior citizens in your area (the MCC can help you find some). They may not have family around and would appreciate being invited to have a holiday meal with you.
7. If cash is tight, give your time and energy. Volunteer to do some work at a local LGBT center or MCC church.
8. Donate work clothes to organizations in your area that provide clothes to women trying to get into the work force.
9. The new LGBTQI Virtual School needs your support to raise money to apply for accreditation and they would appreciate a donation.
10. Magazines and newspapers are going out of business across the country. Support LGBT publications by giving gift subscriptions and support lesbian authors by giving their books as gifts.
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