Orange County Register

I heard a colleague talking about her Christmas shopping list at lunch today. My wife recently asked for ideas on what we should get for our nieces and nephew. My mother-in-law asked about gift ideas for me the other day. Aside from a few gift cards, nothing jumps out as a “must-have” when it comes to gift giving or receiving.

Ask that same question to the eight children’s charities selected as beneficiaries for The Orange County Register’s 2009 Season of Caring campaign, and they’ll be quick to answer: Provide after school tutoring for more kids. Connect parents of children with disabilities to specially trained teenagers who have an interest in working with disabled children. Cover costs for pediatric equipment at a Laguna Beach clinic that provides urgent-care services for kids, but completely lost its government funding this year. Those are gifts that will make a lasting impression.

As the Register begins telling personal stories of children (and the nonprofit agencies that serve them) this Sunday, I encourage you to give them a read and contribute to the campaign. The stories will run in the Register’s Local section from Nov. 15 to Jan. 3 on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, alongside an invitation to donate to the campaign.

Whether it’s $5 or $500, you can help support some very tangible “dreams” in the community and make them a reality. With economic conditions what they are, there’s an even bigger need to lend a hand to children who need our support.

Eight charities were selected to receive funds from the 2009 campaign, and were announced by our partner, Costa Mesa-based Festival of Children Foundation, last month.  100 percent of the funds raised will go directly to the eight charities.

Related stories:

• Make an online donation to the 2009 Season of Caring campaign
• Community leaders climb aboard a carousel for a good cause
• Season of Caring charities named
• Dream on: Beneficiaries of ‘The Possible Dream’ announced

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