'All Our Children'-- Church World Service sharpens focus on next generation

Photo: CWS

NEW YORK CITY/PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA -- In tribute to Universal Children’s Day (November 20) international humanitarian agency Church World Service says it is intensifying its focus on the world’s most vulnerable children, under the banner "All Our Children."

The relief, development and refugee assistance agency efforts aim first to further shape and expand its existing child-centered programs in Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia, with concentration on small child and maternal nutrition and health, access to education, greater school safety, especially for girls, and protection for children and their rights.  Read more »

No-guilt gifting for a grinchy economy

Photo: Emily Will/MCC

If friends or family members say, "Oh, don't give us anything this season," this year more gift-givers may take the suggestion not literally but alternatively.

At a time when Americans tend to be at their most generous and charitable, the holiday conundrum for many in a tight economy is, "If I give gifts to everyone on my list or even just immediate family, there won't be anything left to give to our favorite charity."

Tis the season where the concept of alternative gifting can have a certain practical and double meaning.

Alternative gifts--given in a family member's, friend's or colleague's name -- are gifts that provide vital needs for people in developing countries. They're gifts that build food and income sources and skills and help build bridges between people and communities. Read more »

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