Worldwide charity catalog helps spread food, inspiration

This Christmas, children in America are hoping things like the Xbox or Nintendo GameCube are under the tree. Around the world, however, children are hoping for things like a warm blanket or food on their plates for a change.

Because of that, a growing number of families around the state, and around the country, are spreading the joy of giving year-round to people in need worldwide. They're doing this with holiday gift donations through a faith-based charity known for reaching the needy, wherever they live in the world.

World Vision is a faith-based international organization that for years has been dedicated to helping those in need.

Since 1996, however, the company has offered a gift catalog from which people can order gifts for others around the world.

The gift catalog lets people buy a number of different gifts that people in need around the country will get use out of -- such as food sources or items such as Bibles.

For example, you can buy two rabbits for a family in Uganda for $14, giving the family a long-term source of food and income.

Other items available for purchase range from a dairy goat for $50 to 14 chicks and a rooster for $100 to clothing for a homeless child in America for $25.

People may also purchase Bibles for Christians in Africa.

There are gifts in a wide range of prices, and for destinations around the world.

In all, the catalog features 50 exotic and charitable gift ideas, including helping build homes, schools, and health clinics overseas.

The gifts can be given in the name of someone you love, with that person receiving a gift card telling them about the important contribution made in their name.

All of the catalog gifts are tax-deductible.

For more information about the catalog and the charitable gift-giving options available, interested people may visit the Web site www.worldvision.org.