To the Editor:
I have some gift ideas for anyone still looking to spend their holiday budget, especially those who haven’t found material items serving their purposes.
How about making an appropriately themed donation in the name of your gift recipient? Two of my favorite local causes help kids who may not be as fortunate as our own. No doubt the kids in your extended family have big hearts and will appreciate receiving notification of such a donation among the mountain of things purchased for them. Certainly, adults with well stocked homes may value the gesture as well.
Buying for anyone who loves soccer — whether playing or cheering on their favorite players, big and small? Why not share the gift of the game with someone whose life may be changed by it? Chester Upland Youth Soccer runs Soccer for Success, a free after-school mentorship and exercise program for kids in underserved communities nearby: cuys.org/donate.
For the singers and other musicians on your shopping list, last weekend’s amazing Chester Children’s Chorus concert was a reminder that the chorus also makes a real difference with every dollar donated to them, providing children not only with impressive music instruction but also academic tutoring and the love of the amazing Dr. John Alston. swarthmore.edu/chester-childrens-chorus
I’ve also really enjoyed shopping at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church’s Alternative Christmas Shop, which features all sorts of charities from around the world. They open for the last time this season at 11:15 on Sunday in their Fellowship Hall.
Thanks for your consideration. Happy holidays to all!
Jeannine Anckaitis
Swarthmore
