Turning CARING into DOING!

It’s that time of year! State Farm agents across Florida are teaming up with Santa to help turn CARING into DOING by delivering hundreds of smiles to needy children and families.

Agents are collecting toys / gifts until December 16 to benefit various organizations in their communities. Everyone is invited to stop by their nearby State Farm agents' offices to drop off their gifts. For a listing of participating agents, email Jose Soto jose.soto.cwme@statefarm.com.

State Farm agents are also sharing the following holiday shopping and safety tips:

Holiday Shopping:

• Search for discounts online before you buy. Many retailers post online special promotions and coupons that you can apply to purchases. Check what's available before you make a purchase online or head out to the store.Save on shipping. Don't pay for shipping if you don't have to. Plenty of online retailers will forgo shipping charges during the holiday season. They may also ship free to your local store and let you pick up your item there.
• Redeem your rewards points. The bonus points that you accumulate through credit cards, airline travel, and hotel stays can add up to a gift or two. Cash in your available points to "purchase" a gift for someone on your list.
• Take advantage of bonus offers. Buying perfume for a friend? If you get a free gift with your purchase, earmark it for the preteen on your list.

Holiday Safety:

• Water your Christmas tree. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, tree-related fires cause an average of 17 deaths and $13 million of property damage each year. In 7 to 10 seconds, a dry tree can become engulfed with flames as high as 30 feet. Dry branches can act as tinder, causing sparks to fly out into your living space or up the chimney. To help keep your tree fresh, the National Christmas Tree Association recommends adding one quart of water per day for each inch of the trunk's diameter.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. Broken or exposed wires can cause metallic trees to become electrically charged so they shock or electrocute. Instead, opt for colored lights attached to the ceiling or wall that can shine on the tree.
• Extinguish candles before leaving the house or going to bed. On average, candle-related fires cause 150 deaths and $385 million in property damage each holiday season. One-half of those deaths occur between midnight and 6 a.m. from candles that were forgotten and continued to burn. Always place candles in stable holders and keep them in safe areas where they will not be accidentally toppled over.
• Make sure your home is childproof. Keep decorations with small parts out of kids' reach. Avoid decorating your tree with items that are food-inspired, such as popcorn strands. A child may pull them down and attempt to eat them. And be sure your child doesn't have access to dangerous plants. Mistletoe, holly berries and Jerusalem cherries can be poisonous if consumed in large amounts.
• Don't let your garbage advertise your new gadgets. Make sure to recycle the boxes of any expensive items you received over the holidays. Setting out a box with the picture of a giant TV on it is a prime invitation for burglars.