Dear readers: This year has been challenging even for the luckiest of us. The economy has affected millions of Americans and countless others worldwide. The holiday season grants all of us the chance to reflect on our bounty — and offer others a hand.
I hope you, my generous readers, will join me again in digging deep to donate to people who need help and to support causes you believe in. My list of charities is a quirky collection reflecting my own interests, concerns and passions. I urge you to research, reflect and come up with your own list. Then give generously — not just this season, but throughout the year.
I use the helpful tools at Charity Navigator to learn more about the causes I’m interested in supporting. Charity Navigator rates charities’ financials and administration. The “search” function allows users to enter a key word or phrase (i.e. “band instruments”) to find an organization working in that area. Check .
The organizations I feature below have received a three- or four-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator.
Helping children: Save the Children, . This international charity’s website features a gift catalog where you can contribute by purchasing items to donate to children. These range from sponsoring a child’s education for a year ($65) to donating a soccer ball for a child ($30).
The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, . The late great actor Paul Newman founded this organization to provide fun, recreational and supportive camp experiences for children with serious medical conditions, in the country and internationally.
Fighting hunger: Feeding America, . According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, almost 15 percent of American households were food- insecure in 2009. The percentage of married-couple families seeking emergency food assistance at food pantries rose sharply to 5.6 million households.
Meals on Wheels, . Perhaps you’ve seen volunteers from Meals on Wheels delivering much- needed food and company to seniors in your community. Donors can make a recurring gift through a regular automatic payment. Think of it as taking someone you love out for Sunday dinner.
International aid: American Near East Refugee Aid, . This organization provides basic services — food, medicine, education and housing assistance — to people living in the refugee camps and settlements in the West Bank, Lebanon, Gaza and Jordan.
Physicians for Peace, . Physicians for Peace offers medical training and support to populations in desperate need around the world (including Haiti), focusing on providing supplies and training local medical professionals who then can serve the populace.
Refugees International, . Refugees International advocates on behalf of displaced people around the world, shining a light on the plight of refugees.
Heifer International, . Heifer International’s innovative gift catalog allows donors to sponsor livestock and agricultural programs in rural areas (including this country).
Help for American veterans: Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust, . Provides housing, counseling and practical assistance for disabled veterans.
Fisher House Foundation, . Fisher Houses are attached to military hospitals, assisting injured service members and their families with housing and support.
Cultural and arts institutions: Donations to arts institutions have been severely affected by the downturn in the economy. Please support your favorite cultural institutions in your town and schools.
I hope that readers will help me celebrate this season of giving by giving generously in their community and beyond.
Write to askamy@tribune.com or Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.
