These Are A Few of My Favorite Things...
Since this is the season for giving, I thought I'd share with my readers some of my favorite types of charities and why.
I decided long ago that sometimes I like people, but for the most part I really love animals. In particular, horses, donkeys, and cats. Two of my favorite charities most recently have been local no-kill animal shelters and rescues that take care of donkeys and cats. I like these particular charities because I know my money will be used to actually help the animals - not solicit more money. So if you love animals - consider helping out your local animal shelters and rescues first.
For national charities that I feel comfortable supporting (because you can actually see where they're doing something) my picks are:
American Cancer Society - because we all know someone who's been affected by cancer.
American Red Cross - because you always see them responding in disaster situations.
There are a lot of wonderful charities to support the men and women of the armed services as well. This year my pick is an organization that sends care packages to soldiers called Give2TheTroops, Inc.
Local food banks are ALWAYS a good decision whether you're donating your time to pass out food, donating canned goods, or donating money. I like donating to the local food banks because I can see them in action AND I don't think anyone should starve (not in a nation where so many of us are obese). Not to mention they don't send me bi-monthly letters (which probably cost more to mail than what I donated) asking for donations like some of the local homeless shelter/soup kitchens do. Not that I don't want to help the homeless - but I'd rather the money I send go to actually HELP them rather than send me tons of mail.
And finally - there are numerous groups and organizations out there who will collect your unwanted clothing, shoes, coats, old appliances, housewares etc... to help others. So consider cleaning out your closets and storage rooms/spaces (at any time of the year) and drop off your donations at a collection center. Some organizations will even send a truck by to pick stuff up if you give them a call.
Some final thoughts: With the smaller, local charities servicing your community, your money, time, and other donations will probably go further and you'll be able to see how your donation helps others. I encourage people to donate locally when they can, but to not dismiss the bigger charitable organizations that do a lot of good, too. Happy donating!
I decided long ago that sometimes I like people, but for the most part I really love animals. In particular, horses, donkeys, and cats. Two of my favorite charities most recently have been local no-kill animal shelters and rescues that take care of donkeys and cats. I like these particular charities because I know my money will be used to actually help the animals - not solicit more money. So if you love animals - consider helping out your local animal shelters and rescues first.
For national charities that I feel comfortable supporting (because you can actually see where they're doing something) my picks are:
American Cancer Society - because we all know someone who's been affected by cancer.
American Red Cross - because you always see them responding in disaster situations.
There are a lot of wonderful charities to support the men and women of the armed services as well. This year my pick is an organization that sends care packages to soldiers called Give2TheTroops, Inc.
Local food banks are ALWAYS a good decision whether you're donating your time to pass out food, donating canned goods, or donating money. I like donating to the local food banks because I can see them in action AND I don't think anyone should starve (not in a nation where so many of us are obese). Not to mention they don't send me bi-monthly letters (which probably cost more to mail than what I donated) asking for donations like some of the local homeless shelter/soup kitchens do. Not that I don't want to help the homeless - but I'd rather the money I send go to actually HELP them rather than send me tons of mail.
And finally - there are numerous groups and organizations out there who will collect your unwanted clothing, shoes, coats, old appliances, housewares etc... to help others. So consider cleaning out your closets and storage rooms/spaces (at any time of the year) and drop off your donations at a collection center. Some organizations will even send a truck by to pick stuff up if you give them a call.
Some final thoughts: With the smaller, local charities servicing your community, your money, time, and other donations will probably go further and you'll be able to see how your donation helps others. I encourage people to donate locally when they can, but to not dismiss the bigger charitable organizations that do a lot of good, too. Happy donating!
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