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Nov 26, 2007

"If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give." --George MacDonald

The White Envelope Project

It's Christmas Day, and the Lawder family has one last gift for the kids, and it's the one they anticipate most every year: a plain white envelope with a note. This particular year, the note says that in the sons' honor, their parents have supported a local health clinic that provides access to physicians and necessary medical care to those who can't afford it. Everyone smiles, some through teary eyes. Inspired by a 1982 article, "For the Man Who Hated Christmas," Mary and Keith Lawder have been giving their children a white envelope for the past 10 years. Four years ago their kids started The White Envelope Project in their parents' honor. A nonprofit devoted to teaching others about charitable giving, the project expresses their eagerness to pass on the lessons of the original story.