That question got me thinking. Do I really need anything? Well... not really. I already have so much to be thankful for. Yes, the economy is challenging and several clients had to cancel their holiday parties. Times are tough, and I want to be careful with money. Plus I don’t want to crowd my house with more things or stuff.

Then I wondered what to give my loyal clients who helped make Chez Tse successful in 2008. At first I thought about making up little gift baskets filled with delectable goodies from around the world - 30 year old balsamic vinegar, handcrafted Italian porcini pasta, rich olive tomato sauce, fleur de sel caramels. Yes, it all sounded so tasty, but I suddenly had a change of heart. Do my clients really need any more "stuff" this holiday season? Do they really want another batch of food coming across their doorstep just so it can take up room in their pantry? And what about those people out there who are struggling to just to stock their pantry?

And then it hit me. All my clients are die-hard food fans - that's why they hire me. Why not make a donation in their name to the Oregon Food Bank? Instead of spending money to buy little odds and ends, why not give that money to an organization that puts food on the table for thousands of hungry Oregonians?

So that’s just what I did. Armed with my credit card and joy in my heart, I visited the Oregon Food Bank website and donated gifts in my clients’ names. I could even specify which program I wanted the money to go toward, so I chose the Keeping Fresh program. This program delivers meat, milk, and fresh produce to families who need it most. Last year almost 5 million pounds of perishable food was distributed to families in need. With the change in the economy, who knows how many more people will need a little extra meat on the table.

This year when you’re making out your shopping list, may I make a suggestion? Instead of giving “stuff” that someone really doesn’t need, try giving the gift of a full tummy. This is what I want the most for Christmas. So if I’m on your shopping list, please skip the lacy underwear or kitchen gadget. Instead give someone who needs it a hot meal and a pantry full of nutritious food.

To learn more or donate, visit the Oregon Food Bank website.

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