I have been a World Vision sponsor and volunteer for over ten years now.  I guess you could say I *heart* World Vision.

A few years ago, while shopping for gifts, I became aware of World Vision’s Gift Catalog.  I have since used the catalog to give gifts to my family that changed lives forever.  Through the World Vision Gift Catalog, I gave four chickens to provide a lasting source of nutrition and income for at least one family.  The fresh eggs provided much needed protein and other nutrients in the families diet, and they could sell the extra eggs for money.  When I donated, I was able to send family members a beautiful card to let them know about the donation.  I chose to print my card at home, but you can send one by mail through World Vision when you donate, as well.

Fast Forward… Father’s Day is just around the corner…

Originating in the United States and declared a national event by President Calvin Coolidge in 1924, today Father’s Day is celebrated around the world. This year on Sunday, June 20, grandfathers, husbands, uncles, fathers-in-law and step-fathers may all be honored on this day.

While a necktie is the most common gift, other presents include books, tools or sports equipment.

Another way to honor Dad is with a gift that improves the life of a child from the World Vision Gift Catalog.

“Father’s Day gift-giving is a long standing tradition.  At the heart of the day, however, is the family’s focus on Dad as the guide, motivator and provider in a child’s life,” says World Vision Gift Catalog National Director Devin Hermanson. “With that in mind, giving a life-sustaining gift that helps transform the lives of a child in need is in keeping with the Father’s Day theme.”

The World Vision Gift Catalog, located at www.worldvisiongifts.org, offers more than 100 poverty-fighting gifts ranging in price from $16 to $39,000 that can be purchased in the name of a father, child, friend, or loved one.

Gift ideas that match Dad’s interests include:

• For the gardener – Hybrid or drought-resistant seeds for a farmer – $17
• For the sports enthusiast – 4 Soccer balls for a school – $32
• For the music buff – Art and music instruction -  $40
• For the first time father – Needed supplies for a new mother to care for her baby – $77
• For the book lover – Stock a school in America with essential learning tools and supplies – $100
• For the gourmand – Goat and two chickens to provide milk and eggs – $100

Since the World Vision Gift Catalog was first introduced in 1996, new gifts have been introduced and its popularity as a gift-giving alternative has grown substantially with more than 100,000 purchases made last year. Goats were the most popular item in 2009: over 50,000 goats were given to families in need thanks to the generous contributions of gift catalog donors. After purchasing a Gift Catalog item, the recipient in turn receives a special card describing the gift and the impact it will have in the life of a person in need.

About World Vision…

World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. We serve the world’s poor, regardless of a person’s religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.
To order World Vision gifts, visit the web site at www.worldvisiongifts.org.  To order by phone or to request a print catalog, call toll-free (888) 511-6511.

I hope you will consider the World Vision Gift Catalog as a shopping option this Father’s Day!

Be blessed,

Virginia

Lady V dZine