With Christmas fast approaching, millions of people will be scouring stores and websites for gifts for their loved ones.
And while this time of the year can be a time of great joy, it can be a time of great stress for many.
“We’re always worried about what we can give our friends, family, those that we love. And so many of us don’t need a thing,” notes Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse, in the video introduction for his organization’s Christmas Gift Catalog.
Like most other gift catalogs of their type, Samaritan’s Purse’s catalog features gifts of various price ranges – starting from as low as $5 (the price to bless 10 children with booklets that share the Gospel through colorful illustrations in a way that is easily understood by a child) – and they can be purchased in a loved one’s name. Shoppers can also choose to send a personalized card describing the gift and its impact.
“Most people love to give someone they care about a thoughtful gift, but it’s even more special when they know that the gift they’ll choose will bring Christmas to a poor family, especially a child, who has nothing at all,” says Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor, whose organization also has a gift catalog. “The person receiving this gift also will feel great.”
Below is a list of NRB member organizations that have gift catalogs, along with some sample gift ideas.
Compassion International
Sample Gift: Dental Kit ($40) – Tooth decay is a painful condition that can leave children in poverty sick, unable to eat, and more likely to miss school. Your gift will ensure children receive regular dental checkups and treatments for cavities and gum disease. Oral health is essential for children’s health and quality of life. Your gift will provide: (1) A thorough dental checkup for each child. (2) Any needed dental treatment. (3) Training in oral health. (4) Toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Link to Catalog: https://www.compassion.com/charitable-gift-catalog.htm
Food For The Poor
Sample Gift: School Supplies for a Child ($20) – In developing countries, poverty-stricken parents often cannot afford books and school supplies for their children. The gift of school supplies will help children get an education and learn how to read.
Link to Catalog: https://www.foodforthepoor.org/gift-catalog/wb/2019-xmas-8661/
Samaritan’s Purse
Sample Gift: Lifesaving Medical Equipment ($25) – For just $25, you can help provide critically needed equipment and supplies to mission hospitals around the world, where God’s healing power is transforming lives and souls for eternity.
Link to Catalog: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/gift-catalog
The Voice of the Martyrs
Sample Gift: Christmas Care Packs ($30) – Christmas Care Packs are specially designed to encourage the children of our persecuted brothers and sisters in their faith. Along with toys, school supplies, clothing, and hygiene items, each backpack contains a children’s Bible and other Christian literature. Sponsor by midnight December 14 to ensure that the person honored receives a personalized note before Christmas!
Link to Catalog: https://www.christmascare.com/
World Vision
Sample Gift: Bed Nets for a Family ($21) – Too many families in Africa and Latin America watch helplessly as their children suffer and die from malaria caused by the world’s deadliest creature: the mosquito. Your gift provides super-durable bed nets made of specially designed insecticidal fibers that keep kids safe from malaria and the Zika virus. You’ll also provide treatment and education for disease prevention and control.
Link to Catalog: https://donate.worldvision.org/giftcatalog