Traditions of Charity for the Holidays | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Traditions of Charity for the Holidays | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "NEW YORK — Christmas may be fast approaching, but Cynthia McKay isn't interested in receiving any presents _ unless they're cartons or cans of dog food or cat food. McKay, of Castle Rock, Colo., is among thousands of Americans who believe the spirit of Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa is best expressed through charity. They aim to help struggling artists, educational programs, the environment, missionary work, needy families or, in McKay's case, unwanted dogs and cats. For many, charitable giving at the holidays has become a family tradition."