I’ve been fans of the folks at “The Advent Conspiracy” for a couple of years now. Every December, I like to see the kinds of things they’re putting out, to encourage folks to buy less and yet give more at Christmas.

If you are confused by how one might buy less yet give more, check out this brief video:

What’s great about this kind of “conspiracy” is that it grows best when it grows organically, from the bottom up.

Take what my friend, and fellow Northavener, Vicki Caroline Cheatwood is doing. An old high school friend of hers, Scott Horton, is a military guy stationed in Afghanistan this holiday season and recently contacted her with the following message:

“Many of you have asked what I might want for Christmas in a care package. Thank you for the offer as I am most grateful but, here is an idea. In the season which we focus on GIVING, would you send to me some practical clothing articles, even SOCKS and SHOES which your children have outgrown? I see many victories in this opportunity. I have driven around Afghanistan as winter has begun to set in; children dig through the trash to find things to wrap like newspaper, around their bodies. So thanks for offering goodies, but here’s a chance to give and I will deliver the clothes here like Santa Claus. If this interests you, please send me a note and I will provide you my APO address. God bless you – Have a great Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas – Scott”

So, Vicki’s been putting out the word, via her Facebook, email,and church friends. She’s hosting a “packing party” at her house this Friday night. She’d love for you to donate any gently used clothing that you might have to offer. If you want to be involved, leave a comment below and I will send you info on how to find her house so you can drop stuff by.

Afghanistan is certainly in the news these days, and many people are trying to figure out how they might help. Maybe this is the way *you* will be involved in the “Advent Conspiracy” this year.