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There are a lot of ways to give back during the holiday season. While there are many deserving charities out there, I have listed a few to get you started. Donating to these charities is as simple as giving a few dollars at the register, or at the door of your favorite retail store.

The Salvation Army is an obvious choice, if you are looking to help someone this Christmas. You can donate to the Salvation Army at almost any retail location, including Wal-Mart, KMart, and shopping malls. Salvation Army bell ringers are everywhere during the holiday season. And a small donation can go a long way to help a family have a happy holiday season.

For many years, the Marine Corps Toys For Tots program has been accepting toy donations in most cities. Toys For Tots is sponsored by the the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and collects and distributes toys to needy children in your community. Donations are accepted at all Marine Corps Reserve Center, and many retail locations throughout local communities. Contact your local Marine Corps Reserve Center, or visit www.toysfortots.org for more information on how you can donate toys to help a child who might not otherwise get any gifts during this holiday season.

When you shop at Sears between now and Christmas, you can make a donation to the Heroes at Home Wish Registry, and help a military family to have a happier Christmas. Simply make your donation of $1, $5 or $10 at www.sears.com, or at any cash register at your nearest Sears location. With each donation, you'll help those who serve our country and their families, and you'll also receive a FREE 10x13 family portrait from the Sears Portrait Studio. The Heroes at Home program was open to all military members, and registration closed on 31 October 2008, with 30,583 military families participating. All donations that are received between now and 25 December will be donated equally amongst all the program participants. So far, over 1.1 million contributions have been made to the program, but more donations are needed. If you have a little extra to share this holiday season, please consider helping out our military members and their families, as thanks for all that they have done for our country.

Happy holidays!

Learn more about this author, Maggie O'Leary.
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