A Humble Request

As has become my tradition, here is my annual letter appealing to all readers of this post to thoughtfully consider any and all gifts they might consider purchasing for Carson and Grace. Simply put, we have a fairly large house that is already bursting at the seams with toys. Many of these toys and not even played with and simply take up space. So as you, kind reader, decide what to get Carson and Grace for Christmas, consider the following list of organizations that are (in my humble opinion) worthy recipients of monetary donations (in lieu of gifts) in honor of Carson and Grace:

* The American Liver Foundation (www.liverfoundation.org/)
* The Canadian Liver Foundation (www.liver.ca/)
* The American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org/)
* The Canadian Heart and Stroke Association (www.heartandstroke.ca)
* The Arbor Day Foundation (www.arborday.org/)
* The Jane Goodall Institute (www.janegoodall.org/)
* Make-A-Wish (www.minnesota.wish.org)
* Ronald McDonald House (www.rmhtwincities.org)

These are just a few of the organizations that are near and dear to my heart. But more than just giving to these organizations is the importance of teaching Carson and Grace that happiness is not always to be found in material goods. As I see it, giving to others, gratitude for what you have, and stewardship of the planet are far more important.

Thanks,
Travis