At a total loss for ideas on what to do, where to shop, and which local charities to donate your hard earned dollars to this holiday season? Check out my rather lengthy Holiday To Do list.
Spend for charity.
Want to enjoy a delicious homemade pie but don’t have the patience (or know-how) to bake it yourself? and volunteer staff. Proceeds support the Uhuru Movement programs, like the African People's Education and Defense Fund and its youth basketball program, community gym and monthly alternative health newsletter. Dec. 17-24; available at the Wednesday Midday and Saturday Morning Markets in downtown St. Petersburg, and Mon.-Wed. at Lakewood United Church of Christ in St. Petersburg.
Looking for gifts for your four-legged friend? Steer clear of Pet Smart and Petco, and put your money towards the needs of homeless and abused animals during the Holiday Pet Present Sale at SPCA-Tampa Bay’s new Edward D. Foreman Adoption Center and Pet Boutique. Every weekend in December, pet goods are discounted from 20 to 50 percent off. Locals can also pick up adoption and pet supply gift certificates or drop off donations of necessities like canned cat food, blankets, crates, and kitty litter. Through Dec. 30, Largo.
Peruse an assortment of handmade ornaments ($5 each), holiday accessories and gifts created by artists from all over Florida during the 21st Annual Deck the Halls Sale. All proceeds benefit The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Dec. 13, Artlofts at Florida Craftsmen Gallery, St. Petersburg.
Truly interested in giving? Hyde Park United Methodist Church hosts its third annual Alternative Christmas Market. Among the charitable gifts available for purchase are Christmas dinners for needy families via Cornerstone Family Ministries, school supplies for troubled girls at Steppin’ Stone Farm, and diapers and formula for families affected by natural disasters via Disaster Relief and Recovery. Dec. 7 and 14, Tampa.
This article appears in Dec 3-9, 2008.