Wrapping up for the upcoming holidays

Sunday, December 13, 2015
The Purdue Extension Putnam County office has these items that could make stocking stuffers. (Courtesy photo)

The Purdue University Education Store has a broad assortment of media, including apps that are informative for hobby activities, improving quality of life or of career benefit. These items are very inexpensive and many would make great stocking stuffers.

On hand at the Extension Office is snake, turtle and salamander color media of Indiana species. These reference guides are very nice for one to quickly find those species here in Indiana without sorting through a maze of species found in other parts of North America or the world.

If reptiles and amphibians are not your thing, a "University of Tradition" is available at the Education Store which is chalked full of pictures and stories about Purdue since its founding in 1869. This Reamer Club publication is sure to spark a memory and be of interest to a Purdue grad.

Whether one is interested in gardening, food preservation or trees, there are nice media that can be used as stocking stuffers. The website for the Purdue Education Store is https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/ and the Purdue Extension Putnam County office has the pictured publications and can order for you as well. It is best to call ahead to assure availability locally.

As year-end approaches, don't forget you may receive a direct deduction of 50 percent off your tax bill when donating up to $200 per individual and $400 for couples filing jointly, given to an Indiana funded university. Because Purdue Extension is part of a state-funded university, one can make a donation to the local Extension Office that qualifies. Therefore a $100 contribution to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County program would cost one only $50. You can also specify how you would like the money to be used (i.e. 4-H, youth development, agriculture, natural resource, or health and human science educational programming or equipment). One can specify the gift be used for a specific educational program or topic (i.e. 4-H robotics, advanced Master Gardener workshop, resume/job application preparation workshop, etc.).

ome limitations do exist. For example, funds donated for awards or scholarships would not be eligible for the additional direct state tax deduction. Give the office a call and ask about this excellent way you can support community programs for minimal cost to your pocket while receiving a state tax break.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week's column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming events

Dec. 15 -- Marketplace 101: Health Insurance Forum, Fairgrounds, 6 p.m.

Dec. 15 -- Area IBCA Meeting, Putnam Inn.

Dec. 24 -- Extension Office closes for Christmas holiday.

Jan. 4 -- Extension Office reopens after New Year's holiday.

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