Charitable Ideas

Recent worldwide events have left people shattered, and they are searching for scam-free ways to make their charitable donations go as far as possible. It isn't just the tsunami victims, or those left homeless by the latest hurricane or earthquake - every community has felt the pain. Please do consider adopting a cause and helping your local community. Clean out the pantry and donate those canned goods to a food bank. Your gently-worn clothes are often welcomed in most cities for the homeless. Most of us can't give hundreds or thousands of dollars, but most of us can give a couple of extra dollars or some time. If you have a few dollars to spare, these organizations are time-tested and honest. They do really support the groups they claim, and they do a great job of it.

Almost as sad as the recent weather-related events has been the rash of scam-sites. Before you give out any banking or credit card information, PLEASE make sure you are on the real, secure website. If you have doubts, call them or call the local Better Business Bureau. These links are verified to be the real thing and the organizations listed give without regard to race, creed, color, or religion.

 

Merchants Featured on this Page:

America's Second Harvest, The Angel Quilt Project, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, The Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, UNICEF

 

America's Second Harvest

Now more than ever, they need your help in addressing a hidden problem in America. It’s hunger and it’s real. Although it may be difficult to imagine, the best estimates place approximately 30 million Americans in danger of going hungry. These Americans are men, women, and children who don't know where they will get their next meal. And, one in five people in line at a soup kitchen is a child. While the hurricane areas are getting massive amounts of attention, these folks will help keep the food banks across the entire nation stocked for everyone. All donations to this site go directly to America’s Second Harvest. As the largest charitable hunger relief organization in the United States, Second Harvest specializes in getting the most out of every dollar-a $10 donation delivers 340 pounds of food to food banks around the country. From there the food goes to those who really need it-30 million people each year, including 8 million children and 4 million seniors.

 

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The Angel Quilt Project

This quiet organization of stitchers and quilters has a very special audience - premature infants and children with some pretty frightening diseases. Their main focus is the Angel Quilt Project for the preemies. These lovingly hand-made treasures are sent to various Neo-Natal Intensive Care Units all over the world (USA, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia primarily) to adorn the isolettes. In some cases, these are the only mementos the parents will have. Their other project creates and sends soft, cuddly pillows to hospitalized children. This gives the kids something soft, unique, and huggable to help comfort them during treatments. Both projects are appropriately listed as charities, and both survive on the donations of time and materials from stitchers in every continent. Check the site to see how you can help - either by stitching, nominating a hospital or potential recipient, or making a donation.

 
 

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American Red Cross

You either love them or hate them, but you do have to give them credit for always being there to help someone in need. This is the group many turn to for first aid courses, for shelter after a fire or flood, blood, or for so many reasons. This is the portal site, and lists ways you can help - volunteer, donate, learn.

 

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The Salvation Army

Among the first to be at any major disaster, many people know this organization from their bell-ringers at various malls around the country. They are instrumental in feeding and sheltering the homeless. The link above is the official portal, with great information on all of their programs. Convenient ways to donate are also listed.

 

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The Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund

Well mentioned and not well-linked, this is the second time these two former presidents have worked together on long-range plans for disaster recovery. They did so very well with the tsunami in Southeast Asia that they are back. This fund will serve the three states hardest hit, and is not designed to be a quick-fix bandaid. Contributions will be used to help rebuild communities.

 

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UNICEF

The United Nations has been under attack for the past several years, but that doesn't mean that each organization under its umbrella is bad. UNICEF, or the United Nations Children's Fund, has been on the forefront of helping children all over the world with immunizations, food, health care, and emergency relief since the beginning of the UN in 1945. The shop is a part of the homepage for the US organization - most countries have their own chapters - and is full of unique gifts and cards with artwork done by children all over the world. Children don't ask for wars or politics, hunger or disease yet they are all too often the innocent victims. Every small bit helps!

 

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I also found great community charity projects on the homepages for my local television stations. Whatever you do, please don't fall for a scam. Check with your local Better Business Bureau if you have doubts.

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