Give the gift of giving back this holiday season

This holiday season my family has made it a priority to try and make a difference in our community without breaking the bank. After all we haven't hit the lottery like we had planned, LOL!

1.) Barnes and Noble book donation

At Barnes and Noble locations across greater Cleveland stores are accepting donations of books for various childrens' charities. Each store picks a selection of books based on the charity they are collecting for. Customers can then select a book to buy and donate to the charity.

2.) Girls with Sole

This AMAZING program is growing by the day! They need more equipment (shoes, bras, journals) to keep touching the lives of young ladies in Northeast Ohio. See any sales on shoes, bras, etc? Scoop them up and send them to Liz at Girls with Sole or make a donation to them online.

3.) Veggie U

I learned about this organization from the amazing blog-Cleveland Foodie. Below is more information about Veggie U courtesty of their website, " The sharp increase in childhood obesity and diabetes in our nation is nothing short of alarming. It's clear the majority of children today have little or no connection to the food they eat, where it comes from and how it impacts their health. Since 2003, Veggie U has been committed to changing these trends by reaching out to teachers and children across the country. Located in Milan, Ohio, Veggie U is a national not-for-profit organization that offers an Earth to Table™ science curriculum to fourth grade and special needs classrooms. Our goal is to place this exciting hands-on curriculum in all 93,000 fourth grade classrooms nationwide in an effort to decrease childhood disease, and increase youth awareness of healthy food options and the importance of sustainable agriculture. Healthy kids also learn better and become more active contributing members to their families and communities.

Veggie U's Earth to Table curriculum was inspired by chefs and farmers, and developed through the volunteer efforts of a nutritionist, doctor and local educators.  The team recognized that children would greatly benefit from understanding the connection between what they consume and how that food is grown. Educating children in an engaging, experiential way helps them to learn. Veggie U's

Sound good, want to help? Check out: http://clevelandfoodie.com/2011/11/do-good-eat-good-take-three.html . Cleveland Foodie is having a massive give away to help this worthwile organization. Donate at least $5 and you are entered to win more than $2,000 worth of gift cards to all your favorite eateries and shops.