Charity Site
	Tricia Krietzberg BellaOnline's Charity Editor

Be Charitable All Year
The winter holiday spirit tends to make everyone feel like giving to the poor. But, if you care about giving at all, why not think about giving year-round, because those in need are needy more than one day a year.

Day of Service Honors Martin Luther King, Jr.
Many folks across America will have Martin Luther King Day, January 19, off from work. This year, as we celebrate what would have been Dr. King’s 80th birthday, why not use this day off as a chance to reflect on, and enact, Dr. King’s principles of selfless giving?

How Do You Define “Charity”
Many people believe that they must open their wallets in order to be charitable. You don’t – you simply need to open your heart.

I can’t say “no” to volunteering
I have a penchant for giving of myself. That’s a good thing, except when giving to others has a negative impact on mine or my family’s life.

Is Being Nice Being Charitable?
While being nice to others is clearly a virtue, it does not necessarily make one charitable. Kindness may give someone a smile, but what needy people really need is a helping hand or, honestly, a hand-out.

Kindness Is Contagious
Celebrating World Kindness Week is easy. Just do what your mother always taught you to do – be nice. It only takes one small gesture of kindness to touch all those who see it. Then maybe, just maybe, your one act of kindness will spread.

Obama’s Charitable Tax Deductions to Decrease
Will President Obama´s planned reduction in the charitable tax deduction for wealthy people decrease overall charitable giving? Some say “Yes." He says, "No."

Small But Meaningful Donations
In today’s tragic economy, everyone is living leaner. What will that mean for those who rely on charity to get through life, let alone one holiday season?

Top 5 Ways to Get into the Charitable Spirit
Money is pretty tight this year for everyone, making it a difficult holiday season for our own gift-giving needs, let alone for any charitable gifts. But getting into the giving mood is pretty easy, and it feels fantastic.

Volunteering Benefits the Volunteer Too
Years of research have proven that volunteering increases emotional health, decreases stress and depression, and can actually help reduce aging. It seems volunteering is good for the giver too.

When Television Provides a Lesson in Giving Back
Some television shows can actually provide important life lessons, such as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. If you´ve never seen it, give it a try and you´ll see what I mean.

You Can Be Charitable Despite Tough Economy
Despite the scary economy, don't stop giving. There are ways to give without ever touching your wallet.