Among Native Americans there is an old custom of not receiving presents on birthdays. Instead, as a special sign of giving thanks they give gifts. In a nod to that custom, my wife and I have committed to giving to needy causes here in our home area and around the country on **ALL** of our special days; birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Christmas and Thanksgiving, etc. This year’s application of the custom in our lives has produced some very heart-warming results.Hopefully to amplify what little we can give, we are making a point to invite friends, family and acquaintances to do the same in their own circles and home areas on their special days. There are many worthy causes around us every day, not to mention your own church and the Salvation Army kettles that spring up each Christmas time. Then there are The United Way and Community Foundations with ways to distribute one gift across several needs at a time.