The Nevada Sagebrush

Emily Katseanes

The holiday season always presents problems for warm-hearted, cash-strapped college students, particularly in the parent realm. My parents have pretty much everything they want and if there is something they don’t have yet, it’s way out of my budget. My dad hinted pretty hard last year for a private plane (he’s still waiting).

So, last Christmas, I bought them a child. I found a 15-year-old girl’s gift request on a Christmas tree on the first floor of The Joe and bought her a present in my parents’ names. My mom and dad were genuinely thrilled to receive a cardboard tree telling them about the skinny jeans and JanSport backpack they gave a stranger. So if you, too, dread presenting your parents with yet another tie or “World’s Best” mug, pick a cause near to your heart (or theirs) and really do something with your present this year (you even save money on gift wrap).

FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER

In addition to well-known pet advocacy institutions such as the American Humane Society, there are wild animal-specific charities out there. If you’re gifting for a pachyderm fan, check out the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. The National Audubon Society and the American Bird Conservancy are for the birds (literally) and the Save the Chimps and the Primate Rescue Center take care of a bunch of monkeys.

FOR THE PEOPLE PERSON

Those concerned with literacy and education should check out ProLiteracy (which attacks adult illiteracy), Reading is Fundamental (which gives books to underprivileged children) or DonorsChoose.org (Stephen Colbert’s favorite, which lets donors pick the school project they want to support).

To combat more immediate problems, The Hunger Project helps people around the world develop sustainable, hunger-ending strategies; Kids in Distressed Situations links products such as toys, shoes, clothes and toiletries to children in need, whether they’re living in poverty or missing a parent in military service overseas; and Break the Cycle educates young people to end domestic violence (one in three teenagers will experience abuse in a relationship).

FOR THE ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE

If mother nature needs a little pampering this holiday, the Rainforest Alliance stamps sustainability-friendly products with a seal of approval, helping to reduce carbon footprints and limit greenhouse gasses. Water.org works on the ground and policymaker level to safely increase the availability of clean drinking water around the world. Trees, Water & People combines the two ideas and focuses on helping people take care of their own global corner by preserving or renewing forests and protecting watersheds. The Union of Concerned Scientists combats climate change through advocating and creating government and corporate reform.

Emily Katseanes is getting her parents chickens through Heifer International. Sorry to ruin the surprise. Reach her at ekatseanes@nevadasagebrush.com.

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