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Choose a gift that helps the community

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By Meredith Moss, Staff Writer 5:49 PM Monday, November 23, 2009

Lucinda’s pins are a great example of gifts that give back. Created by a homeless woman to help her overcome poverty, the pretty handcrafted house pins have since become the centerpiece of fundraisers for shelters around the nation. Locally, they help the downtown Dayton YWCA.

Lucinda’s line has expanded over the years. The YWCA currently carries “Girlfriend” “Buckeye” and ”Hope” pins at $15 each. Call (937) 461-5550, ext. 179, or visit www.ywcadayton.org for information.

The pins are just one way your holiday gift can benefit our community. There are lots of others. Your favorite charity, for example, will be happy to send out a gift card acknowledging that you’ve made a contribution in honor of your loved one. Many organizations also sell items such as calendars.

Consider stopping by a local hospital or museum gift shop where the money you spend will go directly to the cause. The little shops are staffed mostly by volunteers who know their stock intimately and are happy to make suggestions.

Since 1957, The Little Exchange in Oakwood (45 Park Ave.) has donated more than $1.4 million to Dayton Children’s. The charming gift shop stocks everything from cooking kits for kids and unusual kitchen tools to lovely dinnerware and serving pieces. Gift wrap is free.

Another local favorite is We Care Arts, 3035 Wilmington Pike, Kettering. The handcrafted items are created by clients of the nonprofit organization that helps emotionally, mentally and physically disabled adults and youths achieve greater personal independence. Items range from jewelry and ceramics to hand-painted puzzles and T-shirts. Prices are always extremely reasonable.

Here’s one more generous thing you can do: The folks at Unified Health Solutions are hosting a “Wrap, Pack and Go Holiday Open House” to gather and wrap gifts for needy children in our area. Show up with a gift you’ve purchased and drop it off or help with the wrapping. You can also donate cash. The event will be from 7 to 9 a.m. Dec. 8 and 9. Your organization is also invited to get involved.

Come to the UHS office in the Job Center, 1133 Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Suite 308, Dayton. For information, call Mindy Lindsey at (937) 220-6634. Snacks will be served.

Contact this reporter at (937) (937) 225-2440 or MMoss@ DaytonDailyNews.com.

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