This is the time of year for giving, right? My husband and I have a policy about giving: we only give local. That way we know who we're giving to and exactly where the money goes. My small business, however, gives anywhere BUT local. I give 5% of my profits to charities connected to the kids in the Russian orphanages.

Since my business is small, I also have small profits (hint, hint: buy my book!) but happily, I've been able to give a little here and there over the years. Our Family Day party, which we've held for the past three years in honor of Little J's adoption day, also helps raise some money that we've been happy to donate.

In case you're in the giving mood, here are some possibilities to help the kids in the orphanages in Russia:

Friends of Russian Orphans. Their mission: "Friends of Russian Orphans works to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in the city of Yaroslavl, Russia, and helps them become healthy and productive citizens."

Ascent Russian Aid Foundation. Their mission: "iOrphan.org is a non-profit charity that spends 100% of donations to provide basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter to orphans and homeless children living in the former Soviet Bloc countries. We do not receive any compensation for our work and pay for all operating expenses out of our own pocket. Every penny of your contribution goes directly to an orphanage to help complete the project you support. All orphanages and shelters that receive our help are registered non-profit organizations and have at least a 5-year record of accomplishment."

The Russian Children's Welfare Society, Inc. helps support children in need of rehabilitation and offers post-orphanage training and support for children leaving the orphanages.

Do you knit? Donate your skills to Warm Woolies. They make booties, hats, and blankets for children in the Russian orphanages. This makes me want to get my friend Carolyn to teach me how to knit so I can do this, too. Why not spend your TV time doing something productive?

To volunteer, try Cross-Cultural Solutions. This is an organization that arranges volunteer vacations, and one of the trips is a stint in an orphanage in Yaroslavl. Here are links to testimonials of people who participated in this program.