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, restore the planet. Giving these gifts can make many people happy, including you.

Today’s Gift Idea: Santa Dollars are authentic U.S. $1 bills with a sticker portrait of St. Nicholas in the place of George Washington. The dollars cost $2.50 each and are packaged in limited edition, holly trimmed gift cards and envelopes. When Santa’s face is peeled off, the dollar bills are bankable or spendable.

The Payoff: All profits from the sale of Santa Dollars benefit the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank, which has fought hunger since 1973. Through a network of 750 charities, such as low-income day-care centers for children and infants, senior centers, shelters and food pantries, the Foodbank feeds nearly 200,000 people each week. This year alone it will distribute 25 million pounds of food to the needy.

Its Motto: Fighting hunger, giving hope.

Place Your Order: Santa Dollars are available at all Vons and Pavilions supermarkets, with information in the Coca-Cola display in the lobbies of these stores.