I first got to know World Vision when my good friend (bloggy and in real life) Jill went to the Dominican Republic on a blogger trip during which a profoundly “only God can make this happen” moment; was able to meet the child she had sponsored for years.

I shy away from sponsorship programs.  I worry about the kids that don’t get sponsored.  I don’t understand the relationship between the sponsor and the child.  Or the sponsor and the child’s parents. I grew up with foster brothers who brought along their social workers and family dynamics were constantly negotiated and re-negotiated.  Although sponsorship is entirely different, I can’t do it because I over think it.

World Vision works in many ways, though. They have a gift catalog that allows you to purchase a small gift for someone, and at the same time make a donation that goes towards sheep, chicks, goats, and other animals or just give where the need is greatest) that will help people living in poverty in the United States and all around the world. There are  36 items to choose from.  It’s kind of like when my Dad gives my kids Savings Bonds and also gives them a little gift, too.  Yes, Savings Bonds are awesome – but it’s fun to have something to open, too.

This year at Thanksgiving, my family decided rather than do our usual gift exchange, we would pool the money we would have spent on each other, and ‘buy a cow’ to donate.  I was so proud to be part of a loving family; so happy to be raising my kids in this amazing tribe.  I was appointed Cow Fund Financial Manager.

World Vision has a “True Spirit of Christmas Tour” on their Facebook page, and their staff will be traveling across the world this Christmas to see the impact that goats, sheep and other gifts have on families and children. You can be part of this.

I received the World Vision Toy Race Car, which is a collectible 1:64 scale diecast model replica of the car that debuted at the 2009 Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Sprint Cup, and I am giving one away to a reader.  I would love for you to enter!

Here is how you do it.  I’ll draw the winner December 15. Go over to the “Two For One Benefit” gift page, and take a look at the options.  Then, just stop and think for a moment.  Is there anyone you can buy a ‘two for one’ gift for this Christmas? Think about the effect of your gift, on them, on World Vision, and on you.

Now come back, and leave a comment saying, “I thought”. You don’t have to give details or say more than that.  I just want you to think.

This post is linked up to Things I Love Thursday at the Diaper Diaries.