In lieu of gifts for yourself for, say, a birthday or housewarming party, consider asking guests to bring items to help support a local charity. Contact your local animal shelter and ask what they are in desperate need of; often it's something unexpected, like laundry detergent, rather than pet food. Ask your party guests to bring these items to help fill a real need. Other groups you can contact include food banks, local charity assistance groups and wildlife rehabilitation nonprofits.
ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION