Hanukah took on new meaning once I became a mother. It was always a season of light, love, and giving. But now, I love to emphasize that it’s not only about giving of material gifts to each other. It’s an opportunity to give and receive gifts of all kinds. My family and I decided to dedicate one night for “giving” to others. A night to “give” instead of “get.” Holidays are an opportunity to make others feel special and appreciated, and to do good for others. UNICEF has made shopping very easy – with an array of gorgeous merchandise, all ethically sourced.

Take the hand crafted African Zenzulu Ornaments, for example. Not only would this gift delight the recipient, it provides jobs for Zulu women and Zimbabwean refugees, and helps UNICEF save lives. That’s three “mitzvahs” in one!

I’ve gotten to travel to Guatemala on behalf of UNICEF and have seen up close the work UNICEF does in providing children with the basics they need for survival. Still, inadequate sanitation, lack of safe water, malnutrition, and other causes continue to claim the lives of 21,000 young children every day around the world. What’s even more startling is that these are causes we know we can prevent. If you, like me, believe the number of children dying every day from preventable causes should be zero, you can help UNICEF save children’s lives by purchasing an Inspired Gift this holiday season. Multiple Micronutrient Powder, for example, is packed full of vitamins and minerals to give children the essential nutrients they need to thrive. Just $18.72 buys an impressive 561 sachets, and it only takes one sachet of this powder sprinkled over a child’s meal to keep that child safe from malnutrition.

If you are a regular reader of FieldNotes, you’ve heard about the K.I.N.D. Fund for Kids In Need of Desks in Malawi.

Our partner in this campaign, MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell, reported the amazing response we have gotten in just one year on air last week. And reminded us of the magnitude of the need.
Watch the MSNBC segment.

UNICEF Inspired Gifts are actual lifesaving items that you can purchase in honor of a loved one. Measles, for instance, kills more than 600 children every day, yet these deaths can be so easily avoided. Those who are lucky enough to survive may be left with life-long disabilities that can include blindness and brain damage. Fortunately, there’s a safe and easy answer. Just $24 will provide vaccines to immunize 80 children and keep them safe from this terrible disease.

Attention last minute holiday shoppers! Are you looking to give a present that also makes a difference for children? Then you’ve come to the right place. This year, you can give a gift you feel good about.

Now through December 24, when you buy a soft toy at IKEA stores, you are helping to give a child a brighter future. Through its annual “Soft Toys for Education” campaign, IKEA continues its long-standing partnership with UNICEF by helping to provide children with access to a quality education.

I had the opportunity to attend the UNICEF Snowflake Ball in New York City at Cipriani 42nd Street this year with another flight attendant Champion for Children, Martin Beltran. This was such an amazing event. Under the twinkling lights and the mosquito netting there was a lot of beauty in the glamorous guests dressed up for the night, but there was also the inner beauty shining in those who give their time and money to make a difference in the lives of children.