The Significance of 12

With the dawn of a new year, we are all given an opportunity to reflect upon what we'd like to achieve in the months ahead. It's a chance to start anew and make commitments that will better our lives.

One thing I'd like to commit to is giving back to the community on a more consistent basis. I haven't found a particular cause that is especially close to my heart... so I took a quick survey of my Twitter and Facebook networks to gather 12 charitable causes that were important to my friends and acquaintances.

Why 12?

Well, logically, there are 12 months in a year. If I give myself one charity a month to try, that feels like the right balance between a healthy variety of charitable experimentation... without getting in over my head with commitments I can't fulfill.

Further, if you consider the meaning of 12 within the biblical context, 12 is a perfect number, often signifying perfection of government. When I think about how I govern my own life, I strive to live as (imperfectly) perfect as I can (being a flawed human soul, after all). What better way to inch closer to perfection than to devote one's talents to the betterment of other lives in need?

So... here's my lineup for The 12 Gifts of 2012:

1. Krochet Kids International. *soft spot here, since I crochet* This organization uses crocheted products as a vehicle for social change, striving to lift developing nations out of poverty.
2. Humane Society of Delaware County. Offers rescue and adoption services for neglected or unwanted animals. *cue Sarah MacLachlan*
3. Charity Water. Bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations.
4. Alzheimer's Association. Works on a global, national and local level to enhance care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer's and related dimentias. 
5. Sam Bish Foundation. The foundation works closely with contacts at Nationwide Children's Hospital to plan events for the families of children that have been diagnosed with cancer.
6. American Heart Association. Heart disease is the #1 killer in America and it doesn't have a gender bias... yet it doesn't get nearly the attention and funding as breast cancer research.
7. Heinzerling Foundation. Provides an environment that enriches the development, education and quality of life of individuals with severe or profound developmental disabilities.
8. Christine Wilson Foundation. On April 13, 2003, Christine lost her life tragically in a house fire near The Ohio State University campus. The charity's mission is to provide annual scholarships to incoming freshmen planning to attend Bishop Watterson High School.
9. Faith Mission. Provides shelter, food and clothing, while helping individuals with access to longer term solutions such as housing, employment assistance, etc.
10. Compassion.com. Sponsor a child!
11. Ohio CASA-GAL. This organization is made up of advocates for abused, neglected & dependent children in the court system. 
12. Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Dedicated to feeding hungry people in Central and Eastern Ohio by collecting and distributing emergency food and groceries.

Interested in helping me out along the way? Simply follow me on Twitter. I'll be posting updates there and here!