'Tis the Season of Giving and this episode of Big Blend Radio explores the myriad of ways to support our parks, the arts, military, kids and families, and more. Enjoy these inspiring conversations that offer practical ideas for giving back.

ON THIS EPISODE: - IVAN LEVIN gives an overview of the preservation and educational programs that the National Park Trust offers. Established in 1983, this non-profit dedicates 86% of its resources to park preservation and its youth, family, and military programs. Visit https://parktrust.org/

- CHRISTY WOOD, world champion horse trainer and author, talks about her fundraising efforts to support the Independence Fund in purchasing all-terrain track chairs and funding caregiver programs for wounded veterans. Visit: https://independencefund.org/ and keep up with Christy at https://wdnhorse.com/

- VICTORIA CHICK, an artist based in Silver City, New Mexico, talks about raising funds to build the Southwest ​Regional ​Museum ​of ​Art ​and ​Art ​Center, ​which would be the first fine art museum in southwest New Mexico. Learn more at https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ and visit Victoria's site at https://victoriachick.com/

- CLIFFORD GARSTANG, an author and writer based in Staunton, Virginia talks about some of his local non-profits including the Heifetz International Music Institute - https://heifetzinstitute.org/; the Staunton Music Festival - https://www.stauntonmusicfestival.org/, and the American Shakespeare Center - https://americanshakespearecenter.com/. Learn more about Cliff's writing at https://cliffordgarstang.com/

- LISA EVANS, travel writer and author, talks about the Operational Christmas Child program through Samaritan's Purse, see: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/. She also discusses ways to give back to areas in need, and how to be a "Good Samaritan" during the holiday travel season. Keep up with Lisa at: https://writerlisa.com/