12 Days of ... GOOD GIVING

Each day from now until Christmas Eve, Life & Style will highlight a gift that can make a difference in the world. Giving one of these presents can help feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, rescue wildlife or restore the planet. Giving these gifts can make many people happy, including you.

Today’s Gift Idea: A CD for the holidays with a new take on the old standards. A silky version of “Go Where I Send Thee” from Joan Osborne, a rallying “O Come All Ye Faithful” from Richie Sambora, “Silent Night” crooned a cappella by Boyz II Men, and a plaintive “Please Come Home for Christmas” sung by Aaron Neville. These are among 17 seasonal songs on Mercury Records’ “A Home for the Holidays,” recorded by leading soul, Latin, pop, folk and alternative rock artists.

The Payoff: Proceeds from sales of the CD collection will help support Phoenix House’s residential and outpatient drug abuse treatment programs for adolescents across the country. Phoenix House is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit providers of substance abuse treatment and prevention services. Since its founding in 1967, Phoenix House has treated more than 70,000 people, reclaiming lives and strengthening families and communities.

Place Your Order: “A Home for the Holidays” sells for $18 at most music stores or can be ordered directly from Phoenix House by calling (800) 883-DRUG.