Things You'll Need:
- Shoeboxes
- Canned Goods
- Adhesive Bandages
- Cold Medicines
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Adhesive Bandages
- Toothpaste
- Stuffed Animals
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Step 1
Contact world relief organizations such as the Red Cross and the United Way. Most of these groups have a local chapter.
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Step 2
Do an online search for other relief groups and find out what they most need.
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Step 3
Donate money to help pay for food, vaccinations and other medical care, and needed supplies.
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Step 4
Realize that some organizations offer the convenience of charging your donation online if you prefer that to sending a check.
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Step 5
Sponsor a child in need through Save the Children or similar organizations that ask for donations to pay for food, care and schooling for a child. (Call 1-800-243-5075 for more information about Save the Children or visit their Web site.)
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Step 6
Participate in a gift campaign such as Operation Christmas Child. You'll fill a shoebox with gifts and supplies for a child. Include unisex toys, stuffed animals, school supplies, a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and bubble gum.
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Step 7
Provide your address and a photograph so the child can thank you - but don't expect it.
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Step 8
Collect clothing, coats, blankets and household items for families that need them in other parts of the world. Bring them to a relief agency and ask them to send the items to the area where they will do the most good.
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Step 9
Provide nonprescription medicines, bandages and other small medical supplies for agencies such as Healing Hands International, Inc. and Direct Relief who will share them with medical facilities around the world.
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Step 10
Buy canned goods and other nonperishables that can be shipped to families that don't have enough to eat.
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Step 11
Remember when you buy your Christmas gifts to select merchandise licensed to Save the Children or other relief agencies so the proceeds go to countries in need.
