you can download public domain books from http://librivox.org/. Public
domain means that at least in the USA the book can be freely copied (
the copyright holder died at least 50 years ago) without legal issues.
I would not suggest this for those outside the USA because I am not
sure if there are different rules. It might be okay but I am not a
lawyer so I do not know. There are great books available like Wizard of
OZ, wind in the willows, treasure Island. it is free unless you need to buy blank cds

This Christmas, change a life with your gift. ACIRFA is turning Africa around one bike at a time. But it's not just
about bikes and bike carts and bike ambulances, it's about changing lives. By giving a bike (or a portion
of a bike) to someone in need, you can give them a chance to grow their

One year I was trying to think of something homemade to give to my family and decided to compose a song that incorperated a memory  of each member of my family. It made for one of the most memorable Chritmasses I've ever had.

Last year for Christmas, I made a calendar for everyone in my family. I included all of the birthdays of people in our immediate family, and then any extended family birthdays I could find. I also included some fun entries, like inventions of common household items. Then, instead of just a picture on each month, I highlighted a charity that was on my heart. In that month, I made a donation to that charity in our family's name. One month I left open, and had each person choose a charity that I would make a donation to in their name. It was a big hit. A real gift that keeps on giving.

I am making some of these as we speak!  Basically you just save your dryer lint and egg cartons, then melt down some old candles (which depending on your situation you may or may not have to buy, maybe at the thrift store) and coat the lint in wax.  There is a great tutorial at this site: http://selfrelianceadventures.blogspot.com/2009/02/practically-free-egg-...

Consider sponsoring a poor child  overseas through Compassion International at  www.compassion.com

For $38/mo a specific child in a specific country( you pick) will  attend a child development program in their community that will provide educational, spiritual , and physical care through a local church already established in that country. You can  also exchange letters during the year with your sposored child. You can truly be part of the solution to global poverty- one child at a time!!

What about a Christmas concert for the poor this holiday season?

Just posted a great list for DIY gift giving ideas for 2009. Enjoy.

http://thecitycradle.com/homemadediy-christmas-present-list

Vicky

Music can be so impactful and meaningful, and especially when its put

together with purpose. I think one of the best gifts is putting together a

mix cd especially for someone, with the kind of music and the artists

that the person likes. I personally like to choose songs that have

special, meaningful lyrics too. Then I decorate the cd with different

colors of sharpies. (Optional: There are computer programs that will

help you design printable cd labels.)