Last week, at checkout stands at 2 shopping stops in Petaluma, the opportunity to give to a national charity in its annual fundraising campaign was offered. I used to feel guilty when I said no thank you. Now I simply say no thank you and here is why. The charity offered for giving was one whose medical research and work are widely supported in the United States. However, the charity also continues to support and participate in laboratory and experimental testing on animals. While I do not have a lot of $ to give to any charity, probably, compared to some, I like to give when I can. I can donate $1 or $5 here and there. You may be like me or you may be much more able to give. Like most, I want to give. My support goes to cruelty-free charities, charities and nonprofit organizations who have adopted and stand by a philosophy and practice to not use animals for laboratory experimentation. Many such organizations can be found by googling "cruelty-free charities."

On the same day when I was out doing errands, I stopped by Whole Foods Market on E. Washington St. to pick up a few items and, at the checkout stand, discovered the opportunity to give $1 to the Whole Planet Foundation's "Empower the Poor through Microcredit" program. Last year's focus was in Africa. This year will be in South American countries. $1 or $5 is applied toward helping people help themselves in impoverished countries. The Whole Planet Foundation web site states, "...as of December 31, 2008, the current average loan size is $205, with each microcredit client supporting on average 5 family members, in the developing world." The loans help people help themselves through entrepreneurial or other endeavors.

I felt relieved to be able to donate $1 to this. Now through March 31st, Whole Foods Market has an in-store campaign to facilitate giving to the Whole Planet Foundation's program. To learn more about the foundation and programs, visit www.wholeplanetfoundation.org or stop by Whole Foods Market, where the check-out personnel are engaged and dedicated to this giving program. I understand many of Whole Foods Market's employees are donating their $ to this program, as well.