There's something about the holidays that makes us reflect on our lives, our families and our good fortune. At the same time, we can't help but be aware of the many people who could use a little extra help. In the spirit of the season, many deserving groups find the holidays a perfect time to reach out for donations. So, while the last two articles have focused on traditional gift giving and spreading the gift of knowledge, this time I'd like to share some thoughts on another important aspect of giving - charities.

All through the year, but especially during the holidays, you may be approached by a variety of organizations that you'd like to support. And while you want to be generous, the sheer number of requests for donations can often be a little overwhelming.

If you can't afford to give to every worthy cause, you don't have to feel like Uncle Scrooge. With just a little strategic planning, you can find the best place and the best way to share your good fortune. Whether your donations are large or small, here are some ideas to help you give meaningfully to the charities of your choice while staying within your means.

- Support a cause that reflects your interests. Are you passionate about the arts? Medicine? Have you or a friend or family member been helped in the past by a specific organization?

Consider turning these interests or experiences into a focus for giving. Whether it's the American Heart Association, a scholarship fund for budding young musicians or a foundation that supports financial literacy, giving to a group that has meaning for you in some way can have many personal rewards as well.

- Look to your own community. From senior groups to after-school day care to homeless shelters, every community has programs and projects that need additional support. Think about where your dollars could make the greatest difference. You might decide to give a one-time gift or even set up an ongoing contribution that will continue to connect you to your own neighborhood or city.

- Don't forget the gift of time. Nonprofits depend on local generosity to fund their yearly budgets, but most nonprofits also need volunteers to accomplish their goals. If you have a few hours a week to give, your contribution of time could be even more valuable than money, especially if you have a particular area of expertise that can serve the organization. And in my experience, you will find that your gift of time will provide you with an event at least as rewarding in return.

- Increase your gift by including your family. Whether you're giving money or time, including your children can make your dollars and your energy go even further. Consider picking a family charity and having your children contribute some of their allowance each week. This could be a yearlong family project with the goal of making a contribution next holiday season.

You can also get your kids involved in a project with a local nonprofit organization. For instance, every year a friend of mine, along with his six children, from the smallest at age 7 to the oldest in his 20s, helps his church serve holiday meals to the homeless. It's a great way for this family to reach out, as well as an opportunity for them to appreciate their own good fortune. And each year the kids look forward to this almost as much as their own holiday gathering.

- Consider a charitable gift account. If you have the means to give even more, a charitable gift account is a simple and cost-effective way to maximize your giving while enjoying certain tax benefits. One benefit of particular note: If you transfer appreciated stock that you have held for more than one year to what is known as a "donor advised fund," you will get a deduction for the current market value of the security and you won't pay capital gains tax on the appreciation. Talk to your tax adviser about whether this is an option you might want to consider.

Once you've decided which charities you want to support and why, you'll be able to give with a real sense of purpose and feel more pleasure in contributing.

Often during the holidays we hear about the stresses of giving. People worry about overextending their budgets or feel bad that they can't afford certain types of gifts. The thought of donating to charities on top of all the other obligations can feel like a tremendous burden or an impossible dream.

But to me, the season of giving is really about sharing. By giving thoughtful gifts, you're sharing your understanding of someone and your personal feelings. By spreading your knowledge, you're sharing experience and opportunity. And by donating to charities, whether money or time, you're sharing your belief in a better tomorrow. It doesn't have to cost a lot; however, it can make us all feel incredibly richer.

Once again, happy holidays.

Carrie Schwab Pomerantz is chief strategist, Consumer Education, Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. You can e-mail Carrie at askcarrie@schwab.com.

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