Dear Readers: This is the time of year when our thoughts turn toward others as we search for something tangible to celebrate our relationships. The downside to this season is our focus on possessions, when so many people go without.
I use to search for and research charities and highly recommend their rating system as a guide.
INTERNATIONAL
Save the Children — Founded in 1919 to aid children in war-ravaged Europe, Save the Children continues to advocate for the rights of children worldwide — often in times of great crisis. They offer a “gift catalogue” where you can buy goats, pigs, sheep and honeybees for at-risk families; you can also sponsor a child, in this country or overseas.
International Rescue Committee — The IRC responds quickly to global crises, aiding the most vulnerable citizens. You can donate warm blankets, a year of school or (for $25) portable solar lights and chargers for refugee families on the move.
Blinknow — You can buy sandals, medicine or a year’s supply of diapers for the babies they take in.
Doctors Without Borders — This organization sends medical teams and relief supplies to treat and help people made vulnerable by war or national disaster.
VETERANS
Homes for Our Troops — I appreciate the simplicity behind the mission of Homes for Our Troops — building specially adapted homes and giving them, mortgage-free, to severely injured veterans. This highly rated charity has granted 190 specially adapted homes to veterans since its founding in 2004.
The Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation was formed by a veteran of the Vietnam War who returned to his hometown of Bozeman, Mont., in 1969. Its vision is to help wounded service members with traumatic injuries heal through the experience of fishing and floating on the pristine rivers of Montana. The foundation is now hoping to build a lodge, which can accommodate the physical challenges of the disabled veterans during their time on the river.
EDUCATION
Donors Choose — Children benefit when teachers can design and deliver special supplies and projects to their classrooms. On the Donors Choose website, teachers ask for materials, and donors deliver. You can help fund books, art supplies and projects in your own community.
Artists for Humanity — This Boston-based organization connects young people with creative jobs.
Mr. Hollands Opus — Band instruments for schoolchildren. Everybody wins.
Reach Out and Read — This national organization grew out of the special relationship pediatricians have with families of their young patients. Doctors promote literacy by incorporating books into patient care and by giving “prescriptions” for reading. An estimated 4.5 million children benefit from Reach Out and Read programs each year.
FOOD INSECURITY According to a 2014 study by Feeding America, its network of food banks provides service to 46.5 million people in need across the United States, including 12 million children and 7 million seniors. Please volunteer for and support your local food bank.
Meals on Wheels — This important community-based feeding program delivers nutrition and companionship to more than 2 million elderly patrons each day. Please donate money or volunteer at your local pantry or Meals on Wheels. Enter your ZIP code to support a feeding program in your community:
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