Tis' the Season of Giving

 We are entering a time of sharing with others. This is a season of giving!

I don't know about you, but I have been more than a little overwhelmed by the number of requests from nonprofits. Some send little practical gifts like return address stickers, while others offer all kinds of incentives—even a small stuffed dog from one and a canvas tote from another.

Project Lost Sheep does none of these things. We send information out on our website and mail a quarterly newsletter. We are pretty much low-key. But we do have needs.

I am not sure how many nonprofits can say that 90 percent of any gift goes to the need.

In our case, we fund a camp called Touchdown Camp. This year, 110 children had a free camp experience in Redwood City, thanks to our loyal supporters. This was our 20th year there, and more than 1,000 children have enjoyed a week of day camp.

Good news is shared with these children and families, and I can tell you there is evidence that camp has made a positive difference in our sponsoring church location in Redwood City (see Verbo Family Services).

The more good news is that we are like adolescents growing out of their shoes and clothes and feeling very hungry. We are expanding to other cities, with Miami Beach next year and an expanded footprint in San Jose, CA. We also have the San Francisco Foundation in process, as well as plans for Honolulu.

We have an international footprint in Guatemala, where leftovers from camp have been mailed to children in Guatemala City. Patty Cardona, our president, is promoting expansion in many places with videos and teachings from camp in Redwood City.

So, when you think about giving, how about looking down at the little children and responding with your heart?