Over the holidays I was thinking about how December is usually the time of year that many people seek out ways to help the needy or open their wallets to charities.

We are celebrating, spending and consuming probably more than any other time of year, and it makes us stop and think about how we can help those less fortunate.

But what about the other 11 months of the year? Shouldn’t we be doing what we can to help all year long?

I think so.

And that’s why I’m launching my 52 Weeks of Giving project.

Each week throughout 2011 I will share how I am giving back somehow, whether it’s by offering my resources, my time, my talents or my support.

Giving back doesn’t have to be on a grand scale. And doesn’t have to be about money.

Oftentimes charities, organizations and foundations need support beyond donations. And that’s what I’m going to try to focus on.

I will be sharing what I’m doing each week; perhaps you, too, will be inspired to give back.

Together we can make a difference.

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52 Weeks of Giving: Week 1

I’m going to keep it simple this first week and highlight a site that allows me to give back to a cause I care about deeply every day.

The Animal Rescue Site offers a quick and easy way to give food and care to animals in need – at no cost to you.

By simply visiting the site each day and clicking on the “Click Here to Give – it’s FREE” button, you can do your part in helping animals in shelters and sanctuaries.

Funding for food and care is paid by the site’s sponsors and distributed to animals in need. 100% of sponsor money goes to charity.

This is such a wonderful, simple – and free  – way to help animals. I signed up for a daily reminder from The Animal Rescue Site so I will remember to click each day. I even put a link in my email own signature to direct people to the site!