DEAR READERS: Many of us have pulled our candy cane sweaters out of mothballs and are now deep into the most satisfying aspect of the holiday season — attending and hosting holiday events, gorging on gingerbread men and eggnog and letting the glitter of the season release us from December’s gloom. This is a time to celebrate and to give, and in the spirit of the season I present my annual round-up of charitable organizations readers should consider supporting.
Your donation may go farther at a small local nonprofit than at a large charity, though “buying in” to the work of any organization gives a deserved sense of stewardship over the worthy work they do. All contributions count.
This is a subjective list, based on my own interests. Your own giving should reflect your interests and values. Most of the groups listed below have a top (four star) rating on www.Charitynavigator.org, which is an excellent source for researching a charity.
Doctors Without Borders (www.Doctorswithoutborders.org): Many of us have become aware of the work of Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), due to the group’s presence in helping to treat those stricken with Ebola. At least 17,800 people have contracted this disease during this year’s outbreak; an estimated 1 out of every 2 people who contract the disease have died of it (including many health care workers). DWB-USA is an international medical humanitarian organization that provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, malnutrition or exclusion from health care.
Refugees International (www.Refugeesinternational.org): There are an estimated 51.2 million refugees and internally displaced people and 10 million stateless people living in limbo without citizenship rights around the world. Refugees International sends teams to locate and survey displaced populations and is an effective advocate for people who have no voice. Most recently the organization has been advocating for the estimated 3 million Syrian refugees who have fled their country due to civil war.
Save the Children (www.Savethechildren.org): When disaster strikes around the world, Save the Children is there with food, medical care and education and remains to help communities rebuild through long-term recovery programs. The website has a cool gift catalog where purchases help fund the organization’s worthy mission.
Feeding America (Feedingamerica.org): It is shocking that in this bountiful country, so many go hungry. Feeding America is the national network of local food banks, providing food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries. Consider donating and/or volunteering at your local food bank.
The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation (www.Mhopus.org): A sentimental favorite of mine, this small charity provides musical instruments to schoolchildren. Their mission makes this band geek’s heart sing.
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