Thanksgiving column

Thankfulness means that we are aware of both our blessings and disappointments but that we focus on the blessings. Thanksgiving is a wonderful day to think about what we are thankful for and sharing it with others. I want everyone to enjoy this Thanksgiving Day but remember with this holiday season; to give is more rewarding than receiving.

Xerox gives you an opportunity to send a free printed postcard to U.S. military personnel stationed overseas showing your support and appreciation for their service to our country.
http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html

Starbucks will contribute $1 to the Global Fund, with $15 in any RED purchase. As a thank you, Starbucks will give you a complimentary “All you Need Is Love” CD while supplies last.
http://starbucks.tekgroup.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=296

Bring your stamped letter to Macy’s, addressed to Santa at the North Pole, and drop it into Santa’s special letterbox. Macy’s will count them up, and for each letter received, they will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Ronald McDonald will be at the interior entrance of Dillard’s in Fayette Mall from 11:00 to 12:00 on Saturday, December 19. Dillard’s will offer a beautiful Southern Living Christmas Cookbook to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charity. This must have cookbook is available for only $10 with 100% of the proceeds going to the local house.
You can also purchase the cookbook online. http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&langId=-1&storeId=301&productId=502045077&Ntk=all&Nty=1&N=1000301&Ntt=cookbook&searchUrl=%2Fendeca%2FEndecaStartServlet%3FNtk%3Dall%26Nty%3D1%26N%3D1000301%26Ntt%3Dcookbook&R=03079378&IN_MERCH=true

Handmade Olive Branch Holiday Wreaths from Lindsay Olives are a universally recognized symbol of peace. Proceeds from the wreath sales go to The Meals On Wheels Association representing programs that provide meals to people in need.
www.lindsayolives.com

St. Jude Children’s Research hospital receives 100% of proceeds from your purchases. Proceeds go to finding cures for and treating pediatric cancer.
www.stjude.org/shop

GoodShop.com is an online marketplace that has partnered with more than 1,000 retailers to donate a percentage of purchases to your favorite charity. Search by name or state to find local charities.
www.goodshop.com

Brings Pets Home is a non-profit charity organization devoted to helping animals. Each time you buy from 150 partner shops, a percentage is donated to animal shelters nationwide.
www.bringpetshome.org

One hundred percent of the Lush Cosmetics’ Charity Pot hand and body lotion retail price is donated to several nonprofits, including Oceana, Bicycles for Humanity and Amazon Conservation Team.
www.lush.com

Save all your Rite Aid receipts dated November 22 – December 24. Enter your information at www.riteaid.com. You will get $20 back when you spend over $100, get $10 back when you spend $51 - $100 or get $5 back when you spend $25 - $50.

Throughout the holiday season, visit eBay Giving Works page to see exciting auction items, proceeds from which will be donated to non-profit organizations.
http://donations.ebay.com/charity/event.jsp?NP_ID=-42&id=1443#buynp

Purchase $100 in gift card from Carrabba’s located at 1881 Plaudit Place to receive a $20 bonus card.

When you buy $100 worth of gift cards from Bonefish Grill located at 2341 Sir Barton Way this holiday season, not only will you get a $20 Bonus card, but you’ll also get a chance to win the $5,000 for yourself and $5,000 to be given to a local charity.

Receive four separate $25 bonus certificates when you purchase $100 worth of The Melting Pot gift cards located at 152 W. Tiverton Way.

Purchase a $10 Subway Gift Card and receive a free cookie

From December 1st through December 24th, patrons who purchase gift cards at any Bluegrass Hospitality Group Restaurant will be able to designate 20 percent of the cards total amount to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass. Just print out the letter on the Ronald McDonald House Charities website www.rmhclexington.com then bring it with you when you purchase the gift card. Bluegrass Hospitality Group gift certificates are good at any Malone’s, Sal’s Chophouse, Harry’s, Drake’s, Malone’s Banquests and Malone’s at Home. You can also purchase online at www.bluegrasshospitality.com just make a note that you want to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass.

Buy $100 worth of Outback Gift Cards, you will receive a $20 bonus card and a FREE music download from Sugarland. Bonus card valid 1/1/10 through 2/10/10.

Remember when you receive a gift card they might come with strings attached. Most have to be used within one year or you’ll be charged a monthly inactivity fee, which will incrementally chip away at the value as long as the card is left in your wallet. If lost or stolen, it can cost up to $15 to replace. In this economy it pays to use cards up fast, just in case the retailer goes belly up. To avoid taking a total loss on plastic you’re not likely to redeem, go to www.giftcardrescue.com where you can trade it for a different card or sell it for cash usually at 60% or 80% of its value.

Cardinal Hill Hospital, 2050 Versailles Rd proudly presents Santa's Pancake Party on December 5 at 10:00am! Fun for children of all ages. Activities include: decorating pancakes, face painting, holiday crafts, story time and of course Santa! Price: $12- Children 9 Years - Adult, $5 Children 3 - 8 years, Children Under 3 - Free. All proceeds benefit Cardinal Hill Hospital Pediatrics.

Michael Craft Store has two locations 2309 Nicholasville Rd or 1953 Pavilion Way is giving FREE Demonstration Saturday, November 28, 1pm – 3pm on making a holiday greenery wreath into a festive door or wall hanging.