12 Days of ... GOOD GIVING

Each day from now until Christmas Eve, Life & Style will highlight a gift that can make a difference in the world. Giving one of these presents can help feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, rescue wildlife or restore the planet. Giving these gifts can make many people happy, including yourself.

Today’s Gift Idea: Wooden toys handmade by men and women living on Los Angeles’ skid row. From $6 rolling bunnies to $10 helicopters to doll cradles for $24.50, each toy is of sturdy dowel construction (no nails or screws), coated with nontoxic sealer and hand signed by the artist.

The Payoff: Sales directly benefit Skid Row Access Inc., a nonprofit business founded by homeless artisans to give others on skid row the chance to use their skills to help support themselves and their families. Since its founding in 1991, more than 1,500 men, women and children have directly benefited from this unique enterprise.

Their Motto: “We can make it!”

Place Your Order: For a copy of the 16-page catalog or to order directly, call (800) 517-1133, Ext. 5843.