At the close of another year, we gratefully pause and give thanks for the good fortune of working with you. These troublesome economic times affect all of us in many ways. I have watched neighbors struggle to keep afloat as jobs are lost and nearby stores close because no one has money to shop.  Our area has been hard hit with one of the highest unemployment rates in the U.S. I am so very lucky to have you as a customer and offer to you this wish of goodwill. May you and I be the start of many miracles of connection, making our world a smaller, more familiar place. 
I encourage you to consider "green giving" anytime you are looking for ways to let someone know they are special to you. For me, the phrase "green giving" means giving gifts that strengthen ties to the global village. Gifts that can bring dignity and renewal of faith in mankind. Two organizations that I use when celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions are: Heifer Project International and Kiva.  And always, your local food banks and animal shelters are great places to give. To "pass on the gift" is a good thing.

Let me know your favorite charities and I will add them to our website list, A Gift of Giving.