Another chance to shop for a cause -- this time, it’s Heal the Bay

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There’s no doubt that shopping therapy is a boon to many. But when your shopping benefits a cause -- well, some of us believe that practically earns the shopper a place in heaven (or, at the very least, a reprieve from that other place).

This time out the beneficiary is Heal the Bay, an organization dedicated to keeping the waters off Southern California safe and clean. The vehicle is a sale titled Buy the Bay, and the items include:

-- A miniature hourglass necklace that ‘holds local beach sand to remind us not to take for granted the precious time we spend in our beaches’ ($100).

-- ‘Day at the Beach’ scented candles ($30).

-- A ‘Sounds of the Sea’ glass shell (at right) crafted to capture the sounds of Southern California’s greatest acoustic venue -- the beach’ ($150).

-- ‘Beach Babysitter’ bubble set ($10).

-- ‘World’s Tallest Sandcastle (Starter Kit)’ ($15).

It seems our beaches need all the help they can get. A report released Wednesday said the number of times the nation’s beaches were closed or posted with warnings because of polluted water jumped last year to its second-highest level in 21 years.

Just something to think about as we head off into the July 4 weekend. Besides, Christmas is coming ... eventually.

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-- Alice Short