There are tons of charitable non-profit organizations who desperately need help all year round, but are especially in need of help during the holiday season. One of the perks of frugality and getting all of the “freebies” and “free” money and gift cards is the ability to use those resources to help others during their time of need. When you do have extra to donate, it’s helpful to know what charities are available, and what cause you’d like to support. I found a few that support animals, soldiers, and the livelihoods of people all across the nation that I’d like to share with you. These charities also give you details on how you can give money to them in someone’s name (in lieu of a gift) and how that gift will be utilized. Some of them will send the person whose name the gift is in a card to let them know how their donation is used.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA.org): Due to the difficulty of the economy, people everywhere are having to give up their pets; they aren’t able to afford to spay/neuter their pets, which means that there are litters of animals given up or abandoned to die. Shelters are completely overrun, and are coming up short on food, money, and the things they need to run each day. In our area, there’s a no-kill shelter that’s running out of food. It hurts my heart to know that animals are having to be euthanized because there isn’t enough food for them to survive. That shouldn’t happen! Any money you donate will go toward funding for the organization’s adoption programs as well as for funding for the medical care for abused animals. Seriously, I adore my 2 dogs and I can’t imagine seeing someone abuse an animal. My husband and I both support any charity that protects animals, and try to donate any way we can whenever we can. Register and get a free ASPCA 2010 calendar.
Homes for Our Troops (Homeforourtroops.org): For your $25 donation, you will get a patriotic seasons-greetings card; your donation will go toward a bundle of shingles toward a new roof. Homes for Our Troops builds homes (or adapts existing ones) for disabled servicemen and women (and immediate family) for handicapped accessibility. This one is also near and dear to my heart because of the service they provide. I am in a wheelchair, and I know how discouraging it can be to have to depend on someone to do things for me in my home that I would be able to do if my home were better adapted. This organization gives these soldiers, who have given their all for our country, back the independence they may have lost otherwise. Can’t afford $25? That’s OK. Any size donation I’m sure will do fine. Pennies add up to dollars!
Feeding America (FeedingAmerica.org): Your $25 donation will get you a holiday greeting card or e-card; every dollar you give will supply 9 lbs. of groceries to hungry men, women and children across the US. Feeding America’s network helps over 25 million people annually in all 50 states. You can follow Feeding America on Twitter to see what good they are doing everywhere. If you have a little extra time during the holiday season, check out their volunteer opportunities in your community.
Operation Homefront (OperationHomefront.net): Your $20 donation will get your loved one a letter detailing information about the organization and its contributions. Your donation provides care packages for soliders abroad and military families at home, financial aid for families in crisis and even school supplies. The charity has 30 chapters in 37 states, and over 4,500 volunteers. This would be a great charity for an entire business, church or other large organization to support, by giving money or things for care packages. Soldiers love to have small comforts of home sent to them while they’re abroad; believe me, I’ve known a few soldiers, and they take nothing for granted! Small things such as a Moon Pie mean the world to them, mostly because it lets them know that someone has them in their thoughts and prayers. To me, that’s the best gift a person can give during the holidays and you can’t wrap it.
