How to Choose a Christmas Charity to Support

Many people feel compelled to be even more charitable during the Christmas season. It is the season for giving and there are many wonderful charities to choose from. With a bit of planning you can find the one that speaks closest to your own heart.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• List of your specific social concerns
• Internet access to investigate charities

1. Write down some of the social and/or global causes that you feel are important when trying to decide on a charity. Naturally, most of us will end up with a pretty long list. However, since you are trying to target one specific cause for your gift of Christmas giving, you'll need to establish a method to target your selection.
2. Focus on your interests. Are you an animal lover who wants to advocate for the spaying and neutering of pets? Shelters and rescues across the country are desperate for donations of money, food, cleaning supplies, medical supplies, bedding, and crates. Many happily accept volunteer workers to help with cleaning kennels, exercising and playing with the rescues and helping out with adoption programs and fund raisers.
3. Think about endangered wildlife. The tender balance between man and animal habitats is an ever-increasing threat to wildlife. Certain species are particularly struggling. There are several worthy wildlife foundations and organizations working to introduce conservation techniques, technologies and education that can greatly benefit these at risk species. The costs of scientific research and outreach programs are tremendous and private donations are essential to their work.
4. Consider the medical and mental health of children, the homeless or the elderly. St. Jude Children's Hospital provides excellent medical care to children irregardless of the family's ability to pay. Donations are the cornerstone of their success in research and patient care. Many clinics across the nation offer medical care to the homeless and severely impoverished. In addition, there are children's charities that offer health, education and food assistance to children.
5. Consider a gift to future generations if you are one of the many who has a growing concern about the environment. From global warming to the decline in air quality and clean water, environmental causes are a global problem that requires responsible action. In addition to giving a monetary gift to an environmental foundation, you could pledge to cut your own energy usage, begin recycling or consider buying carbon credits.
6. Help those who are less fortunate to have at least the basics of food and companionship during the holidays. Most cities or counties have soup kitchens or Christmas dinners for those in need. This is a wonderful way to donate not only financially but to give of yourself, which is the best gift we can give others at Christmas and throughout the year!

Tips & Warnings

• While a cash donation is always appreciated, don't forget there are many ways to give of yourself.
• Call agencies in your area that you are considering and ask how their donations are used and what their greatest needs are.
• Contact local churches in your area to find out what charitable projects they are supporting.
• Sadly, there are people out there who use the guise of a charity to take donations that rarely if ever reach people or causes. Do a little research on the charity you ultimately select. Don't be afraid to ask for their financial statement.