Start the new year off right by choosing charities that deserve your time or money. I've compiled a list of a few of my favorites for you to consider. If you know of one that I didn't mention, leave a comment with a description and a website address and add to the list.
- Heifer International- Heifer helps families around the globe move toward self-reliance by giving animals and teaching sustainable farming techniques. They've been around since 1944 and have helped millions of families worldwide.
- Kiva- Kiva is a micro-lender allowing donors to choose a specific entrepreneur in a developing country to loan small amounts of money to. The loans are paid back and the donor can choose to loan the money to a new person, to withdraw their money, or to donate the money to operating costs. When you loan money, ALL of it goes to the recipient you choose.
- Orphan Foundation of America- OFA helps parent-less teens by giving scholarships, connecting them with mentors or internships and sending them care packages. So many of these teens "age out" of the foster care system every year and this organization helps encourage them to be productive young adults.
- AmeriCares- AmeriCares is an international relief organization that serves in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States. Not only do they provide emergency response andglobal medical assistance, but they also operate free clinics, a camp for children affected by or infected with HIV and a program supplying life-saving medication to low-income people. Also 99 cents of every dollar donated goes to helping people.
- Adopt-A-Minefield- Adopt-A-Minefield aims to resolve the global landmine crisis by clearing mines, providing survivor assistance, and raising awareness. Your entire donation goes where it is needed, because all administrative costs are provided by other organizations.
- Barbara Delia's Bridge Fund- This fledgling organization was started by my parents after my mom was severely injured in an accident. They want to provide money to people who are injured, out of work and waiting for government assistance to help. They know first hand how difficult this is and want to help bridge the gap for others.
I have intentionally highlighted charities you may not have heard of, but I don't want to take away from all the wonderful charities most people do know about. Don't forget them either! Here's a partial list to jog your memory:
American Cancer Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Heart Association, Red Cross, Goodwill, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, National Audubon Society, ASPCA, National Wildlife Federation, March of Dimes, Meals on Wheels, Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and ALS Association.
Whatever you do- GIVE. If funds are tight right now, volunteer. There are websites designed to help people find places to volunteer (like www.kidsconnectnc.org). These websites are regional, so search for one in your area.
Lisa Gensheimer sent me this info on Facebook:
"Great idea, Erica. Allow me to add VOSH, Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, to your list of charities that are making a real difference in the world. In many ways, it is like Doctors without Borders, only for vision care. Erie's own Doug Villella is the real mover behind this organization."
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