How to Donate to Kids in Africa

Donating to kids in Africa is easy.

Many children in Africa lack basic necessities such as proper clothing and footwear, things that are often taken for granted in the Western world. This leads to discomfort, illness and, in the worst cases, death. Ultimately, your donation will improve the quality of a child’s life and his or her well-being.

Instructions

1. Choose an organization. Different profiles of various charity groups are available on the Internet. Some examples include World Vision, Planet Aid, Staesa and the Centers for Disease Control Foundation.

   Feel free to contact different charities and ask them for a breakdown of how they allocate donations. Keep in mind that not all charities disclose how they handle cash donations, according to experienced London-based philanthropist Marieme Jamme.

2. Decide whether you will donate money or clothes. If you choose to donate money, simply write and mail a check, or set up an automatic one-time or monthly debit from your bank account to the organization of your choice.

3. If you'd like to donate goods, gather any gently used children’s clothing and shoes that you no longer use. Items made of lightweight materials are best in Africa's warm climate. Make sure that all the goods are properly and securely packed. Coordinate with your organization of choice to donate your items.

Tips & Warnings

• Be wary of sending money directly to individuals, especially if they approach you first by an unsolicited email.

References

• National Center for Biotechnology Information: Indicators of Life - Threatening Malaria in African Children
• Foreign Press Centers: CRS Issue Brief for Congress - Aids in Africa
• USAID: Education
• Marieme Jamme: How Not to Give Money to Charities Working in Africa Read more: How to Donate Money to African Children | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6463379_donate-money-african-children.html#ixzz0tAEH9M9u

Resources

• World Vision
• Planet Aid: Child Aid Program Overview
• Staesa
• CDC Foundation