At work we're doing a food drive this year given the economy, etc. instead of Toys for Tots. I understand that, but I also understand how awful it must be kids who get nothing. So I'm happy to see that people are still giving to both in good numbers. I like programs like this and giving to my church and benefits for members of the church and the local women's shelter, etc. where I can see contributions actually being put to use. Some people might think that's selfish, but I actually am more concerned about dedicating hard-earned resources to some organizations that might squander them on administrative fees instead of helping people with them.

That's great that so many people are helping other people out. That's the way it should be instead of the government cutting checks to everyone.

Quick side story: The local VFW always donates $$$ to my wife's school for her and her co-workers to buy disadvantaged and special needs kids toys for Xmas. When all is said and done, they have about $7 per kid to spend, which the teachers work hard to stretch at the local Super Wal-Mart. This year, the teachers suggested to the VFW that maybe they could buy each kid a really nice Xmas themed book for their parents to read to them and the VFW guys got all hot under the collar. One of them told my wife she must have voted for Barack Obama with an idea like that and that he was going to write a letter to the local paper telling them how anti-American and Xmas the school was if they did that.