"Tis more blessed. . . .

A pause in the search for the perfect gift, or the best leftover recipe—marshmallow-topped turkey, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce casserole anyone?—is a good time to think of organizations that bless society with their deeds year round.

Those of you with an extra bean or two are probably planning to make charitable donations before the end of the year. You’ve done well so you can do good, while keeping a few bucks out of the grasp of the IRS.

No doubt you’ve been inundated with donation requests from non-profit organizations of every stripe imaginable.
While you’ve got the checkbook out give some consideration to these worthy causes close to home.

Goochland’s Christmas Mother program, this year presided over by Meta Potts, has made the holidays brighter for local families in need for a very long time. Although the season for this organization is December, it will gratefully accept donations all year long. Mail contributions to P O Box 322, Goochland, Virginia 23063. Visit the website at www.goochlandchristmasmother.org.

The Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services is a community based organization that helps Goochlanders who have fallen “between the cracks” of other assistance programs. From its food pantry to medical and dental care, GFFS is the definition of helping those in need. In a cruel twist of fate, the advent of Obamacare seems to have increased the demand for its health care services. Send checks to P O Box 116, Goochland, Virginia 23063, or visit their website: goochlandfreeclinicandfamilyservcies.org

When children get involved with the legal system, a very special group of volunteers, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), act as the eyes and ears of the court. These fine people invest large amounts of their time and talents to find the best outcome for the children. Send donations to: Goochland CASA P O Box 910, Goochland, VA 23063. Visit the CASA website at www.goochlandcasa.org.

Our great school board has done a great job keeping education expenditures within the confines of its budget. In this fragile economy, that means paring back or eliminating some extras. The Goochland Education Foundation helps to fill the gaps. Send donations to: Tom Deweerd, Registered Agent, Goochland Education Foundation, 2938-I River Road West, Goochland, Virginia 23063. Visit the website at www.goochlandedu.org.

Although parts of Goochland are known for their grand homes, some of our citizens cannot afford safe, basic housing. Goochland Habitat for Humanity leverages volunteer skills and donation to build homes. Their address is PO Box 1016, Goochland, VA 23063. See www.habitat.org to learn how this group works.

Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget our furry friends. For the Love of Animals in Goochland, FLAG, is our local animal rescue group. FLAG volunteers rescue and foster pets discarded or otherwise in peril, gets them healthy, and places them in suitable homes. They too spend every penny wisely, and right here in our community. Send donations to FLAG, P O Box 115, Manakin Sabot, VA 23103. Visit them online at www.flagpets.com.