This time of year my wife takes to calling me Scrooge. I pretty much have the Bah Humbug when it comes to giving people things they don't want or need just so I can say that I gave them something for Christmas. This goes strongly against her grain as she feels that if you didn't give everyone you can think of at least something, then you aren't doing your job.

As our extended families grow, with in laws and nieces etc., I have gradually whittled it down so that we do a Chinese Auction of round house gifting with her side and don't have to purchase something for each member on the list. Even this sticks in my craw a little because each person already has whatever they really need and it comes down to getting something that will sit on the shelf and maybe be regifted next year to another group that won't recognize the gift.

I have finally discovered a way to feel good about this annual rite of gifting and I want to share it with you.

At this years Chinese Auction I intend to take the nice cardboard wrap from an Olive Garden gift card and insert my own card informing the winner that a donation will be made in their name to the Good Shepherd Food Bank to help feed the hungry for Christmas. I will do this by visiting their web site at www.gsfb.org and making a virtual donation.

The Good Shepherd Food Bank has teamed with industry and other organizations throughout Maine to multiply your gift to feed the hungry. Through the strength of Partnerships with the Food Industry, Community Leaders, Businesses, and Individuals combined with the efficiencies of Food Banking... enables them to turn a $10 gift into $125 worth of food to be distributed throughout Maine, wherever it is needed.

Christmas has to be about something other than piling up more stuff. I ask you to join me in multiplying your giving by visiting www.gsfb.org and making a donation in the name of someone on your gift list.

Merry Christmas.

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