No more beef sticks

Note: The following has nothing whatsoever to do with gardening.

I was touring the aisles of a local discount store the other day searching for 'stuff' to include in a package to a family member who is serving in Iraq. I hate that kind of shopping (even when it comes to plants). I prefer to have a list in hand, pick up what I need, and get out as fast as possible.

Whenever I'm forced to actually look at the accumulation of junk that fills our stores' shelves, I come away feeling overwhelmed and slightly sickened.

All that plastic.

All that sugar.

All that money.

And for what? Things that nobody on this planet needs and very few people even want.

Of course, this time of year is the worst. And I, for one, have had enough. That's why I'll be giving goats this Christmas. And maybe a fishpond. Only I won't be giving them to my kids and their kids. They already have more than enough.

I'm going to be giving them to people who don't have food to eat or clothing to stay warm or enough education to make a better way for their families.

If that idea appeals to you, too, you might want to visit www.samaritanspurse.org. It's an organization that's headed by Franklin Graham (Billy's son). Since 1970, they've been helping people who are the victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease and famine.

I'm sure that there are other reputable organizations out there that do similar things, too.

Just think about it: For $35 we can provide a month's worth of care for an orphan or we can give a basket of waxy cheese and beef sticks to someone whose cholesterol is already too high.

It's our choice.