Christmas is right around the corner! Can you believe it? The holiday totally snuck up on me this year.
It’s been a rough year for everyone, especially charitable organizations. Most charities are reporting huge drops in donations in a year when more folks need help from these organizations than they have in a long time. If you’ve still got unfulfilled gifts on your list, you might consider donating to a local charity in your recipient’s name!
Here are some great resources for charitable giving:
Your local food bank is on the front lines when it comes to helping folks in the community who have fallen on tough times. It’s easy to find a food bank near you with this handy tool from Feeding America.
The United Way helps families obtain “a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.” You can support United Way through their contribution page.
The folks at Heifer International work to end world hunger through community involvement and gifts. When you give through Heifer, you’re helping a community feed itself in a long term way by giving livestock and the training the community members need to support themselves.
On the same note, you might check out Sustainable Harvest. This organization teaches folks in Central America about organic, sustainable farming with a focus on reforestation.
It’s a rough time of year for anyone who’s sick, especially for kids. The Child’s Play charity is “a game industry charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with toys and games in our network of over 60 hospitals worldwide.” You choose the hospital that receives your gift, then check out that hospital’s Amazon wishlist to choose what you’ll give.
Didn’t see a cause that struck a chord with you? If you’re looking for a charity that supports a specific cause, you might check out Charity Navigator to find just what you’re looking for.
Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by krislitman
About Becky Striepe
