More holiday spending.

The fine folks at MoveOn have invited us to help all who are in harm's way, including both military personnel who need a phone card to call home this Christmas, as well as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC):

War takes its toll on civilians as well as soldiers. Massive numbers of Iraqi families that have been displaced by the escalating violence. Because conditions are so dangerous, humanitarian relief organizations have withdrawn from Iraq, and the Iraqi winter is closing in. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is one of the very few international organizations still daring to bring vital services directly to Iraqi civilians. You can make your donation to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and earmark it for Iraq here. The IFRC is racing to help hundreds of thousands of refugees survive the winter by providing blankets, heaters, and basic medical supplies. In the face of increased insurgent violence targeted at government schools, the Red Crescent has mounted an effort to equip every school with first aid training and basic medical supplies. They've also been charged with maintaining the rapidly growing number of orphanages in the most war-torn parts of the country.

Whatever it is you need to buy still - whatever that last gift you need to get someone on your list - why don't you donate to one of these two needs instead, in honor of the person you're buying for?