Gift or charitable donation? I don't know which one to favor but I am going to try to fund both for the holidays.

Looks like I'm not alone. An Associated Press story found that charitable giving will most likely be recession-proof this year. The Center of Philanthropy at Indiana University states that the stock market has a small impact on charitable donations nationwide. During the recession of 2001-2002, 70% of Americans still gave an average of $2,000.

Will that still be the case this year? Probably not in New York, where charities get much of their money from Wall Street, but the trend is still positive for charities in the rest of the country. The American Heart Association says donations are up for the year, while the American Red Cross's campaign to raise $100 million passed the $60 million mark after just two months. And a Harris Interactive phone survey found that this holiday season may be better than usual. The late-October survey that found while seven in 10 adults would spend less on gifts, half of the people said they would be more likely to give a donation as a gift over toys or clothes.

Of course, the U.S. has been through a lot of economic turmoil in the past month. I don't know if I'll have enough to gift my favorite charities, while family pressure requires gifts for certain relatives. But because I know I'll have a warm home, a few gifts and eggnog for the holidays, while many other people don't, I'll do what I can to help them feel some cheer. And I'm just one of millions in this country who will. Seems that's just the American way.

With more and more individuals in need of assistance from charitable organizations and a pronounced drop in donations for charities of all kinds, it is important to find a way to make the most of your charitable giving.

Smart Money Magazine compiled a list of 7 ways to stretch your charitable gifts which will increase the impact of your gift, even if you need to cut back on the amount.

The 7 ways of making the most of your charitable donation are:

• Giving to the neediest organization
• Give more than cash
  
• Use sites that offer matching donations
• Check financial records
  
• Seek reputable outfits
• Skip the middlemen
• Stay Focused

Radio, TV, infomercials, and phone calls--stop already. This election has been the longest one I can remember; it has gone on and on. At this point, hasn't everyone made up their mind? I made mine up shortly after the primaries. Will another ad or two make a difference?

Apparently the candidates think so. Obama spent a fortune last week renting time on every major station for his infomercial. He plans to release another ad today showing McCain's ties to Cheney. McCain, who doesn't have the war chest of money like Obama, went on Saturday Night Live to increase his reach. By far, the best part of the McCain campaign is Tina Fey's rendition of Sarah Palin.

The ads are endless. That is all you see on TV and if you try to escape in your car, they are on the radio. I try to hide in the house, but folks are coming to the door and calling me on the phone. At this point, I will vote for anyone who doesn't call me with a recorded message.

It raises the question whether this is the best way to do things. With so many folks struggling in this bleak economy, couldn't the political money be put to use helping people? It would be an interesting campaign if every dollar spent had to be matched with a charitable donation. Just think how many folks this could help.

I could enjoy the ads then, knowing that every dollar spent actually helped someone else. I would give more to the campaigns knowing that the money was put to good use. I can't wait until Tuesday is over.

Barbara Bartlein is the People Pro. For her FREE e-mail newsletter, please visit: The People Pro.

There are plenty of excellent reasons to find a good charity to support. Charitable giving is beneficial for your country and your community. Some people even say that charity is good for you health. Being generous with a portion of our own financial blessings is also a great American tradition.

Most of us already have specific charities which we like to support. For my household, we have given various gifts to The Arbor Day Foundation, our local volunteer fire fighters, local churches, and a smattering of other deserving causes. Most of our charitable gifts stay fairly close to home, but there are also many worthwhile national and international charities.

But how to decide which charity to support? How do you know a particular charity is trustworthy? Or responsible? Or actually helping the population you want to help? The answer to these questions are as close as your computer.

When Jenna, my 13-year-old second cousin by marriage, had her bat mitzvah, her Jewish coming-of-age ceremony, earlier this month, she asked that friends and relatives donate to two charities rather than bring gifts.

Jenna chose Project A.L.S. because her paternal grandfather recently died from the fatal neuromuscular disorder, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. She also selected Million Trees NYC because, as a devoted environmentalist, she wanted to improve the city of her birth. It turns out that Jenna is not alone among her age group in putting charity before that cool iPod or Wii.

According to Claire Gaudiani of the Heyman Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising at New York University, today's young people contribute whatever they can to their favorite causes earlier, more consistently and in more imaginative ways than their grandparents did. And of the $300 billion-plus donated last year, more and more is going to charities that focus on international affairs and the environment, according to Giving USA.

I hope this trend continues even as the economy skids into a recession and fears about our families' futures overtake everything else. An international outlook, an awareness of other cultures and societies, is not only healthy but necessary in today's global economy. I certainly plan to encourage my daughter to follow Jenna's example when the time comes for her bat mitzvah. Meanwhile, our family will continue to donate money to our college alma maters, to Housing Works, and Goodwill.

Got any Christmas catalogs in the mail yet? Dollar Tree Direct is getting ready for charity gift giving with their TreeBox Giving campaign. If your church or other organization participates in the annual Operation Christmas Child program that sends shoe box gifts to needy kids in other countries, then you're already familiar with the idea of filling a plastic shoe box with necessities like socks and toothbrushes and goodies like toys and candy. Dollar Tree is suggesting that you can take this idea further by preparing shoe box gifts for needy kids right here at home, sending a soldier a care package or filling shoe boxes with personal care items for the homeless or to give to women's shelters. I especially like their suggestion of disaster relief boxes for those families struggling to clean up after a flood or other natural calamity but you're gonna need a bigger box for that one. Check out Dollar Tree Direct's website for suggestions on what to include in each shoe box. The link is to the right of the picture at the top of the page. If your organization is planning a large order through Dollar Tree Direct with regards to the TreeBox Giving program, they are offering to work with you to coordinate the order and delivery. Nice.

If you're doing a few of these gift boxes for delivery to people or places in your immediate area, you don't necessary have to restrict the number of items in it to those that will fit with the lid on. If you're selections spill over the top a little, just do it up like a gift basket with cellophane wrap.

Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer and dollar store diva. She writes home decorating tips and ideas using only items found at the dollar store.

A cash handout in Pasuruan, Indonesia turned into a stampede on Sunday, killing at least 21 people. A wealthy businessman announced he would be handing out gifts of 40,000 rupiah to people as part of his observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Such handouts are common in Indonesia, a Muslim nation, during this month of fasting. However, the local government was unaware of this particular handout, and did not have the necessary security in place for the event, which ended in tragedy.

40,000 rupiah might sound like a huge amount of money, but actually it's only equal to about $4.25. These people waited in line, and many died, for just about enough money to buy breakfast... for one.

Need to get away and you're short on cash? Is the idea of a "staycation" less than thrilling?

How about a volunteer vacation?

You can hit exotic and remote locales in Indonesia, Africa and South America by going on a volunteer vacation where you'll also be doing good for others. ABCNews.com reports on the new trend.

There are all kinds of organizations that can hook you up with volunteer gigs working with kids, refugees, construction projects, economic co-ops and teaching. In some cases, you'll pay a fee to get started and for airfare to and from the destination but participants say it can be well-worth it for what many deem as life-changing experiences. In the case of Wildnerness Volunteers, a group that matches people with opportunities at national parks, the the cost is just $259.

Here are some organizations and their Websites to check out the opportunities: Ambassadors for Children, Wilderness Volunteers, ProWorld and Cross Cultural Solutions.

So in order to get away, why not consider giving back? It might be more satisfying than a beach-bum vacation and less expensive too. And who knows, you might find another career direction.

Before widespread Internet use, charities relied heavily on direct mail campaigns for their fund raising. That meant paying for paper, printing, and postage, which can really add to a charity's operating costs. The Internet has been a blessing for charities by allowing them to turn to free email solicitations and online payment options, as well as making it easier for donors to find them.

Unfortunately, the Internet also opens the door for scams disguised as charities, and of course all the risks associated with paying by credit card online instead of the old fashioned way, with a check in the mail. It's great that you want to give to charity -- but it's important that you do it responsibly.

From the American Institute of Philanthropy, here are 5 tips for donating wisely online:

• Know your charity. You should never give money to a charity you know nothing about. Always be suspicious of online solicitations, and don't give until you've had a chance to review the charity's mission statement and annual report. Charities are legally required to tell donors how their money is spent. The AIP suggests that charities should spend no more than 40% of their income on administrative costs, meaning at least 60% of your donation should go directly to supporting the cause. Additionally, the charity's website should have clear information about where the operation is headquartered and how you can contact the organization, both online and offline.

When people suffer financially, their animals face hardship, too. At the beginning of the year the Humane Society warned about about shelters being overwhelmed. Dogs and cats were losing their families when those families lost their homes. Now we're hearing about all kind of animals suffering in the financial downturn. Basically any animal that depends on humans is a little bit less secure.

Dogs and Cats
Shelters around the country report a surge of animals surrendered. Some have surely been forced into the situation, but lots of animals seem to be cast out as if they were impractical luxury goods. In Los Angeles, an 11-year-old shepherd was left scared in the shelter; the Animal Shelter of Sterling, MA, tells the Worcester Telegram that they haven't seen this many surrendered animals in 15 years; dogs in Dallas are being dumped on the side of the road. And, as I wrote about earlier, some people cruelly abandoned their pets in the house as a way to inflict suffering on the bank -- never mind what it did to the animal.

Leona Helmsley's reputation for her dealing with her fellow man is, let's just say, not the best. She spent time in the pen for tax evasion and, in an incident recounted by famed attorney Alan Dershowitz, treated a waiter rather rudely: he brought her tea and a tiny bit dripped onto the saucer, and Ms. Helmsley pick up the cup, smashed it on the floor, and demanded that he get down on his knees and beg for his job.

But the Associated Press is reporting that she has left $8 billion -- the bulk of her fortune -- to be used to help care for dogs. Her trustees will decide the specifics of how the money is spent.

Her less than kind reputation aside, her gift is many, many times the total annual giving for dogs in the entire world -- $8 billion will change the world for dogs. If you're a lover of dogs, you have to consider Ms. Helmsley a hero.

It's always nice to learn about good news in a bad economy.

SunTrust Bank Private Wealth Management just released a survey that looked at 202 high net worth business owners, whose companies have at least $10 million in annual revenue, to look at their charitable giving.

And probably the best news is that 70 percent of the CEOs said that even if the economic downturn moderately hurts their business, they plan to keep their current level of non-profit and charitable giving this year.

(Moderately is the key word, of course, leading one to believe that if a business is hurt dramatically, it's going to be every man, woman and child for themselves.)

Some other findings that may be interesting to people:

• Everyone was asked why they give money or time, and the top reason given was because donations "helps make a positive change." Much farther down the list were entrepreneurs who said they give to receive tax credits, to bring positive attention to their business, to network, to establish a legacy or gain recognition.

(That said, I've got to respect the entrepreneurs who were honest enough to admit--even anonymously--that their top reason for giving money was to receive tax credits, create a legacy or some other materialistic reason. On the other hand, so what, as long as CEOs with deep pockets are giving to charity.)

As a financial writer, I'm always on the lookout for signs that Americans are making good decisions with their money. Sadly, I haven't found many recently, but here's one: soaring gas prices, economic worries, and plummeting property values aside, Americans gave a record (subscription required) $306.39 billion to charity in 2007, an increase of 3.9% over 2006. It was a much slower rate of growth than we've seen in recent years but, all things considered, you have to be pleased that there was any growth at all. The data comes from the Giving USA Foundation, a reputable organization that tracks these things. Charitable giving accounted for 2.2% of GDP.

The data for 2008 won't be available for another year, but it's hard to see how people will keep up the giving growth: the same factors that made people more tentative in 2007 have only gotten worse so far: gas prices, housing, and the economy.

Here's my advice on giving, which may or may not be popular: if you're struggling to make ends meet this year, don't be afraid to cut back on your philanthropy temporarily. If you can't take of yourself, you're no good to anyone else in the long run. Too many Americans don't have anything close to enough in savings for retirement, a burden that will be placed on future generations -- so maybe continuing to fund your own IRA is the most important giving you can do in an economy like this.

Late on rent? Loan shark breathing down your neck? Can't fill your car with gas to get to work on Monday? Assuming all available funds and traditional sources of credit are tapped out, here are 25 (legal) ways to raise cash in a few days. We list them in order from least to most desperate.

Private and public agencies that provide emergency assistance in cash are uncommon, and those that do usually restrict that largess to those well below the poverty level. However, many will provide other services and items that you would otherwise spend money on, so this charity could free up some dollars to apply to your other most pressing needs. Among the most common of these are food banks and open dining opportunities, help or waiver of utility costs, and clothing and other household essentials.

Your local government often has a person or office that acts as a clearinghouse for social services. Don't forget about churches and social clubs, too, who often have less formal outreach programs, especially for members in distress. You'd be amazed at the not-for-profit groups that are sitting on many thousands of dollars simply because no-one has asked them for some of it.

Asking for charity can take a big chunk out of your pride, but depriving your loved ones of necessities does too. Perhaps you can one day use this humbling experience as an inspiration to help others through their tough times. You'll find that giving does as much for the giver as the receiver.

All 25 ways to raise quick cash.

Gas prices are not only hurting millions financially, but it may be costing some seniors their lives.

As gas prices rise to astronomical heights -- The national average price of gas reached $4 last week -- and consumers get hit with high grocery bills, some of the nation's most defenseless are left to fight a battle: Against hunger.

This is clearly seen in nonprofit food delivery programs to home-bound seniors, such as Meals on Wheels. In these programs, oft-times volunteers deliver meals to the elderly. Nowadays, volunteers are finding it hard to afford the gas needed to make these trips.

The Meals on Wheels Association of America has seen a 58% loss in volunteers in May due to gas prices alone. "Our programs have to cut back on everything," said Enid Borden, President and CEO of the MOWAA. Now, "sometimes volunteers are only able to go out once a week or every other week.."

The one meal a day can turn into no meals a day, or a meal and frozen meal (per day). 4 out 10 seniors sit on a waiting list waiting and/or hoping to be one of the million to receive a meal each day.

It's not just meals that the elderly are missing out on. Also, there's missed or reduced human contact for seniors that are often considered "shut ins." The loss of volunteers that offer a friendly hello or can look at the health of seniors can be devastating. One Meals on Wheels program that had to minimize its senior visits was informed of two deceased senior citizens left for as many as seven days.