Yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as a really good Santa (even though we just spent several pages showing you otherwise).
The Santa that comes down the chimney gets all the press, of course, but luckily for us there's a more earthbound variety. The generous individuals and organizations profiled in the following pages and online see the suffering we all see — and all year, not just during the holiday season, they try to do something to alleviate it.
Read about these worthy nonprofits. Peruse their wish lists. And try playing Santa yourself.
You don't even need to wear the hat.
Holiday Guide
At Alpha House, help for expectant mothers means a better future for their kids.
12.05.07
Holiday Guide
At Project Return, a father and son work with people, not patients.
12.05.07
Holiday Guide
A statewide coalition finds a festive way of fighting Florida's anti-gay marriage amendment.
12.05.07
Holiday Guide
St. Petersburg Free Clinic counts on its volunteers to get the job(s) done.
12.05.07
Holiday Guide
Every day, all day, ASAP provides a haven for the homeless.
12.05.07
Holiday Guide
A low cost spay/neuter clinic offers solutions for cat over-population.
12.05.07
Holiday Guide
At FICS, "Think globally, act locally" is more than a slogan.
12.05.07
This article appears in Dec 5-11, 2007.