This has been a difficult year for many. Most of us will be glad to put it in the record books and move on to what we hope will be a far better 2010.

In this column I have tried to impart knowledge, de-mystify complex topics and debunk the many myths surrounding investing and financial matters, so as we head into the holiday season I want to debunk the myth that only big donations make a big difference to a charity. In fact, it is the combination of thousands of small donations that really make the difference. Every dollar counts. Especially now.

As you may suspect charitable giving is down this year. It is down 5%. This is the largest drop in 50 years. On the flip side, it is down ONLY 5%. America continues to be, by far, the most generous country in the world when it comes to donating money. This well-documented fact doesn't change the reality that the economic downturn has seriously affected charitable giving.

So, we continue to give, even when it hurts. But the drop makes life even more difficult for many foundations. And they too have suffered serious portfolio losses this year. Some have lost as much as 40%, and some were wiped out by Bernie Madoff.

If you not sure whom to give to or what they need, please consider that Middleburg has many wonderful local charities that cross a broad spectrum of needs.

Windy Hill and Middleburg Humane Society are two that provide superb services and there are many other local charities that will be immensely grateful for your help. If you wish to have a national impact, please consider helping military families and their soldiers through the Marine Corp Toys for Tots program or The Wounded Warrior Project. Whatever your interest you may visit GUIDESTAR.com and search for charities that need your help and have been vetted and reviewed.

If we share the same instincts and enjoy giving to specific projects in the education space, visit donorschoose.org. It is am amazing site where you can target as little as $25 to projects for teachers across the United States. There are 13 projects alone posted by Loudon County teachers across all disciplines. The needs are real and projects are life changing for the students and the donor.

This year has been extraordinarily difficult for many and although it remains to be seen what The New Year holds for us, if you can spare only a $1, you may be certain it will help. If we all give what we can, we are well on our way to making 2010 a better year.

On behalf of Bluemont Capital, we wish you a blessed holiday season and a wonderful 2010.